Lessons Learned
Perceptions of Using AI Tool to Assists English Writing among Non-academic Adult: A Case of HugginChat
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Yuchin Chang
Given the rapid and continuous evolution of technological instruments, the use of AI to assist learning has been growing significantly. This study explores how effective the AI is in enhancing adult’s English writing, a domain where the role of AI, especially in tools like HuggingChat, remains under-researched. Participants who are non-academic writer are aged between 23 to 26. The participants utilize HuggingChat to help them organize their ideas and compose a paragraph following the formal structure of an article. In the study, they use the tool to write one hour a week for three weeks. This study uses interviews to collect the in-depth understanding of the satisfaction after participants utilize the system. Then, Grounded theory analysis proposed by Glaser & Strauss (1967) is applied to analyze the excerpts from the interview. The research is conducted to: (1) examine participant’s overall attitude and perception toward the using of AI to assist English Writing.
Online Behaviors in Higher Education in a Muslim-Majority Country: Lessons from a Nation-Wide Multisite Study in Qatar
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Alan S. Weber,
Byrad Yyelland,
Robert Bianchi
Qatar reported an internet penetration rate of 99.0% in 2024 with 2.7 million internet users, indicating almost universal access to internet services. Online learning is now widespread in Qatar Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, student learning outcomes and student behaviours in virtual environments–such as collaboration, privacy and confidentiality, cooperation, and affective, cognitive and behavioural engagement–have been little studied in the Muslim-majority context. The authors conducted a multi-site national mixed-methods research project from 2020-2024 to understand online behaviours among HEI students in Qatar in virtual learning environments. The object of the translational research was to transfer knowledge of the patterns of student online behaviours into best practices pedagogy in Muslim-Majority countries. Findings from this study were applied to a national training workshop for online instructors in 2023. The researchers conducted qualitative analysis of expert opinion, questionnaires, and in-depth focus groups of both faculty and students in Qatar HEIs (i.e. 22 student groups, n=95). Results were that: 1) synchronous video-conferenced class rooms were the norm, with Learning Management Systems as the primary software tool; 2) privacy ethics were of great concern to both faculty and students (specifically women) due to Islamic modesty norms; 3) camera policies in videoconferenced classrooms impacted student learning and behaviours; 4) studying at home presented novel learning challenges due to Gulf gendered interior domestic spaces; 5) covering of women (hijab) and reconfiguring of the home space to accommodate education were also frequently cited themes in the qualitative data.
Evaluating the Impact of Digital Platforms on Intercultural Communication and Language Learning View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Tzu Yiu Chen
This study explores the integration of digital tools such as Padlet, Zoom and Microsoft Forms in developing students’ intercultural competence through reflective activities. It examines how these technologies are used to facilitate virtual exchanges, promote intercultural communication and assess language learners’ development. Focusing on formative and summative assessment, the project evaluates the effectiveness of digital platforms in fostering interactive learning environments that prepare students for global communication. The study also looks at the practical applications and limitations of these tools, providing insights into their role in data collection and learning assessment in intercultural education. Through this research, the study aims to develop a flexible model for incorporating digital technologies into language and cultural education, thereby enhancing both teaching and learning processes.
