BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FROM CHINESE EFL PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS' ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION

ABSTRACT

Given the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily language education globally, exploring its applications within primary school English teaching is essential. The attitudes and perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) primary school teachers are crucial in the Asian context, as their attitudes and perceptions significantly impact the frequency and effectiveness of AI in language teaching and learning. The study's primary objective is to investigate the perception of the benefits and challenges of implementing AI in primary schools' English learning. A qualitative methodology was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to collect multiple, in-depth perspectives of Chinese EFL teachers. Using the thematic and descriptive analysis method, the researcher conducted a content analysis of the data. Thematic analysis revealed eight key benefits: promoting learning interest and motivation, providing automated feedback, supporting personalized learning experiences, enhancing intellectual development, creating an engaging learning environment, improving speaking ability, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging self-learning. However, four main challenges were identified: barriers to technology skill development, equipment support and computer anxiety, inhibiting learning motivation, ethical considerations, and effects on vision. These insights imply that AI has significant potential to transform primary school English teaching by making EFL learning more engaging, personalized, and intellectually stimulating. To integrate AI and language teaching and learning effectively, providing adequate teacher training, ensuring robust technical support, and addressing ethical and health-related concerns are crucial.