An Investigation into the Perceptions and Usage of AI and Online Translation Software in a Japanese University EFL Classroom

The aim of the current study was to investigate the perceptions and roles of AI and translation. software in learning English as a foreign language in a Japanese university classroom. 112 Japanese university students were selected based on random cluster sampling and participated in the study. Their attitudes towards the usage of AI and translation software were examined by a LIKERT-based questionnaire, given to them at the end of the academic semester. Results showed that over half of students engaged in using AI and translation software in their EFL classes. Students expressed that they used them mainly when they felt pressed for time and when the assignments given to them were too difficult. A majority also felt that their use helped them learn materials and did not consider them to be cheating when doing homework or class assignments. The use of AI and translation software can be lessened by having teacher explicitly warn against their usage, and by incorporating old-fashioned paper and pencil writing assignments. A majority of students also stated they would continue to use AI and translation software which would indicate that instead of railing against their uses in classes, teachers and educators may benefit from learning how to utilize them in class to enhance the students? learning experiences.