efl pedagogical applications of chatgpt: opportunities and threats

This study investigates efl teachers' perceptions of chatgpt as a tool for english language instruction, focusing on its perceived benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications. using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten efl teachers currently working in different language-related educational centers in iran. participants represented diverse educational contexts, including universities, public schools, and private language centers. thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that while teachers generally expressed positive attitudes toward chatgpt, recognizing its flexibility, time-saving capabilities, and potential to enhance students' writing skills and learner autonomy, they also voiced concerns regarding overreliance, inaccuracies, ethical challenges related to academic dishonesty, and limitations in supporting listening and speaking skills. the findings suggest that chatgpt is viewed as a supplementary educational tool rather than a replacement for traditional pedagogy. teachers emphasized the necessity of critical supervision, ethical guidelines, and professional development to ensure effective and responsible integration of ai technologies in efl instruction. this study contributes to the growing body of research on ai integration in education, offering practical insights for teachers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to harness the potential of ai in language learning while mitigating its challenges. this study investigates efl teachers' perceptions of chatgpt as a tool for english language instruction, focusing on its perceived benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications. using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten efl teachers currently working in different language-related educational centers in iran. participants represented diverse educational contexts, including universities, public schools, and private language centers. thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that while teachers generally expressed positive attitudes toward chatgpt, recognizing its flexibility, time-saving capabilities, and potential to enhance students' writing skills and learner autonomy, they also voiced concerns regarding overreliance, inaccuracies, ethical challenges related to academic dishonesty, and limitations in supporting listening and speaking skills. the findings suggest that chatgpt is viewed as a supplementary educational tool rather than a replacement for traditional pedagogy. teachers emphasized the necessity of critical supervision, ethical guidelines, and professional development to ensure effective and responsible integration of ai technologies in efl instruction. this study contributes to the growing body of research on ai integration in education, offering practical insights for teachers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to harness the potential of ai in language learning while mitigating its challenges.