[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"doc-detail-160571-en":3,"doc-seo-160571-105":30,"detail-sidebar-cat-0-en-105":91},{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":6},0,"success",{"doc_id":7,"user_id":8,"nickname":9,"user_avatar":10,"doc_module":4,"category_id":11,"category_name":12,"doc_title":13,"doc_description":14,"doc_content":15,"file_id":16,"file_url":17,"file_type":18,"file_size":19,"view_count":4,"is_deleted":4,"is_public":20,"is_downloadable":20,"audit_status":20,"page_count":21,"language":22,"language_code":23,"site_id":24,"html_lang":23,"table_of_contents":25,"faqs":26,"seo_title":27,"seo_description":14,"update_tm":28,"read_time":29},160571,549758252649,"Ivy","https://ap-avatar.wpscdn.com/avatar/8000253669c5317157?_k=1778319167496531819",8,"Research & Report","Exploring the Utility of ChatGPT for Self-Directed Online Language Learning","Generative AI tools increasingly shape teaching and learning by creating both challenges and opportunities, and self-directed learning remains central for informal, learner-driven contexts. This study uses a mixed-method design to examine how adults self-direct online language learning through ChatGPT, combining survey results from 276 respondents with 11 one-to-one interviews. Findings show strong motivation from flexibility and personalization, enabling access to materials aligned with proficiency, interests, and goals. Inherent self-monitoring skills help learners use ChatGPT effectively to reach goals efficiently, supporting educators and designers in integrating AI for diverse needs.","Exploring the Utility of ChatGPT for Self-Directed Online Language Learning  \nZixi Li  \nIndiana University Bloomington, USA  \n[https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1004-8967](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1004-8967)  \nDr. Chaoran Wang  \nColby College, USA  \n[https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4140-2757](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4140-2757)  \nDr. Curtis J. Bonk  \nIndiana University Bloomington, USA  \n[https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6365-9502](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6365-9502)  \nAbstract  \nAs generative AI tools are increasingly popular in today’s teaching and learning process, challenges and opportunities occur at the same time. Self-directed learning has been regarded asa powerful learning ability that supports learners in informal learning contexts and its importance rises in salience when incorporating AI into learning. This study employed a mixed-method design to understand how people self-direct their online language learning through the utilization of ChatGPT. Analyzing survey data from 276 survey respondents and 11 one-to-one interviews with language learners in the United States, we found that learners are motivated to use generative AI for its high flexibility and personalization which enables learners to access learning materials that align with their knowledge levels, personal interests, and learning goals. We also found self-monitoring skills that are inherent to learners help them to use ChatGPT more effectively and achieve their learning goals efficiently. This study contributes to the emerging field of AI in education and explores possibilities to use ChatGPT to foster selfdirected language learning and provide educators, instructional designers, and researchers withinsights to design learning integrated with AI to best fulfill learners’ diverse needs and expand learning opportunities to more people.  \nKeywords: Self-directed learning, language learning, artificial intelligence in education, generative AI, ChatGPT  \nLi, Z., Wang, C., & Bonk, C.J. (2024) . Exploring the utility of ChatGPT for self-directed online language learning. Online Learning, Volume28(3),(157-180). DOI:10.24059/olj.v28i3.4497  \nThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in teaching and learning has demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating learner anxiety while elevating their confidence and fostering increased motivation for communication (Bao, 2019; Tai & Chen, 2020) . In recent years, generative AI (GenAI) technology has significantly grown, particularly in educational settings (Baidoo-Anu & Ansah, 2023; Chan & Hu, 2023) . GenAI features utilizing machine learning technologies to analyze patterns of existing data to generate new human-like content in formats including but not limited to text, visuals, and audio (Brynjolfsson et al., 2023) .  \nChatGPT is currently one of the most known and used GenAI platforms with its remarkable capacity to complete complex tasks and wide implementation in education (Adeshola & Adepoju, 2023; Baidoo-Anu & Ansah, 2023; Rahman & Watanobe, 2023; Yu & Guo, 2023) . Recent research indicates that GenAI tools and platforms, such as ChatGPT, confer advantages to language learning through the generation of coherent and fluent text, the creation of authentic language materials, and the facilitation of personalized learning (Baskara, 2023a) . However, despite these advancements, there is limited empirical research concerning the role ofAI in selfdirected language learning (SDLL), particularly in informal learning settings (Jeon, 2022) . To close the knowledge gap, this research attempts to understand how adult learners self-direct their online language learning through the utilization of GenAI platforms such as ChatGPT.  \nLiterature Review  \nGenerative AI-Supported Self-Directed Learning  \nSelf-directed learning (SDL) is a central element of adult learning and has been regarded as a powerful learning ability that strongly supports learners in informal learning contexts (Li & Bonk, 2023; Brookfield, 2009; Morrison &","cbCainPGj4Gi8XaO","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCainPGj4Gi8XaO","pdf",419665,1,24,"English","en",105,"# Abstract\n## Literature Review\n### Generative AI-Supported Self-Directed Learning","[{\"question\":\"What is the main purpose of the study on ChatGPT and self-directed online language learning?\",\"answer\":\"The study investigates how learners self-direct their online language learning by using ChatGPT and what benefits they gain from it.\"},{\"question\":\"How was the research conducted?\",\"answer\":\"The study used a mixed-method design with survey data from 276 respondents and 11 one-to-one interviews with language learners in the United States.\"},{\"question\":\"What advantages of ChatGPT were identified for self-directed language learning?\",\"answer\":\"Learners were motivated by ChatGPT’s flexibility and personalization, which helps them access materials matched to their levels, interests, and learning goals, supported by self-monitoring skills.\"}]","Exploring the Utility of ChatGPT for Self-Directed Online Language Learning | 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