Assessing the use of ChatGPT for learning new languages in the higher education sector

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has transformed the education industry by revolutionizing education through enhancement in innovative learning and teaching practices. Several studies (Strzelecki, 2023, Tlili et al., 2023) have suggested that the use of these AI technologies can help in achieving positive students’ learning outcomes. Recently, an open AI-generated chatbot (ChatGPT) has become very popular in the education sector due to its numerous benefits in enhancing students’ learning. However, there are several challenges associated with the use of these AI technologies due to privacy misleading, honesty and perceived risks. Thus, this study aims to investigate how ChatGPT impacts on learning new languages, and how to deal with the privacy concerns that may arise from its adoption. Consequently, the findings of this study will provide new guidelines on how to use ChatGPT securely and efficiently for ensuring a safe and trusted use of the technology in learning new languages in higher education. In this regard, this study attempts to answer these two research questions: What are the key factors influencing the ChatGPT adoption for learning new languages in higher education? What are the privacy concerns, security and perceived risks of ChatGPT adoption in learning new languages in higher education? An integrated research framework based on the General Extended Technology Acceptance Model for eLearning (GETAMEL) (Abdullah & Ward, 2016) and the privacy calculus theory (Dinev & Hart, 2006) will be adopted. Such a framework will then be tested and validated utilizing structural equation modelling of the survey data collected from students in Australian universities. From a theoretical perspective, this work explores the critical factors that may affect ChatGPT adoption for learning and teaching new languages in Australian universities. From a practical perspective, this study will provide insightful findings for researchers and academics on the importance of increasing the benefits of ChatGPT adoption for enhancing students’ learning experience and solving some concerns that associated with privacy and ethical considerations.