Workshop AI in ELT: over reliant, over trusted, misused? more

A study conducted in the spring of 2024 amongst 100+ teachers and 500+ students of EAP at 20+ transnational universities in China explored the challenges they face. One area which warranted attention was AI. There are concerns about students relying on AI too much to complete assignments and using it blindly without checking for accuracy. Furthermore, a fear of AI has caused some teachers to try to avoid or ban it. However, students tend to utilize it regardless, but they lack sound guidance as to how to employ it effectively which can result in them doing so recklessly, sometimes unknowingly, and perhaps raising concerns about academic integrity. This workshop addresses these concerns via group discussions and hands-on activities. We will begin by discussing what all constitutes effective use of AI and what could be considered as overreliance upon it amongst students. Next, we will analyze why students employ AI and then pose and explore suggestions and activities to help students understand how to use AI correctly and effectively. The workshop ends with an examination of AI tools/websites for teachers and students.