Educational Chatbots in Language Teaching and Learning at Malaysian Universities

Authors

  • Dianna Suzieanna Mohamad Shah Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
  • Airil Haimi Mohd Adnan Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia
  • Mohamad Safwat Ashahri Mohd Salim Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak, Tapah, Malaysia
  • Udan Kusmawan Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Terbuka, Banten, Indonesia
  • Mohd Nur Fitri Mohd Salim Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Seremban, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i34.7222

Keywords:

chatbots, language learning, artificial intelligence, higher education

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, with chatbots increasingly explored as virtual assistants for language learning. This study investigates Malaysian students' awareness, usage, and expectations of chatbots in tertiary education. A survey of 101 students from Klang Valley institutions across disciplines such as Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), nursing, business, and engineering was conducted. Findings show that although awareness of chatbots is high, their actual use for language learning remains limited. Nevertheless, students strongly expressed interest in using chatbots for grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversational practice. The study suggests that integrating chatbots could promote learner autonomy, instant feedback, and student-centred pedagogy.

References

Abunda, N. D. (2020). Cross-sectional Study on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) of Mathematics Teachers. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(12A), 7651–7659. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.082551 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.082551

Cao, S., & Phongsatha, S. (2025). An empirical study of the AI-driven platform in blended learning for Business English performance and student engagement. Language Testing in Asia, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-025-00376-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-025-00376-7

Chi, N. T. K. (2024). The effect of AI chatbots on pro-environment attitude and willingness to pay for environment protection. SAGE Open, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231226001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231226001

Cislowska, A. I., & Peña-Acuña, B. (2024). Integration of chatbots in additional language education: A systematic review. European Journal of Educational Research, 13(4), 1607–1625. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.13.4.1607 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.13.4.1607

Getenet, S., Cantle, R., Redmond, P., & Albion, P. (2024). Students’ digital technology attitude, literacy and self-efficacy and their effect on online learning engagement. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00437-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00437-y

Gökçearslan, Ş., Tosun, C., & Erdemir, Z. G. (2024). Benefits, challenges, and methods of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in education: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Technology in Education, 7(1), 19–39. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.600 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.600

Hmoud, M., Swaity, H., Anjass, E., & Aguaded-Ramírez, E. M. (2024). Rubric development and validation for assessing tasks’ solving via AI chatbots. The Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 22(6), 01–17. https://doi.org/10.34190/ejel.22.6.3292 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34190/ejel.22.6.3292

Huang, W., Hew, K. F., & Fryer, L. K. (2021). Chatbots for language learning—Are they really useful? A systematic review of chatbot‐supported language learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 38(1), 237–257. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12610 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12610

Ji, H., Han, I., & Ko, Y. (2022b). A systematic review of conversational AI in language education focuses on collaboration with human teachers. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 55(1), 48–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2022.2142873 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2022.2142873

Gutiérrez, L. (2023). Artificial intelligence in Language Education: Navigating the potential and challenges of chatbots and NLP. RSELTL, 1(3), 180–191. https://doi.org/10.62583/rseltl.v1i3.44 DOI: https://doi.org/10.62583/rseltl.v1i3.44

Kusmawan, U. (2024). Beyond Traditional Practicums: Exploring the Potential of Scalable Practicum in Science Courses. Studies in Learning and Teaching, 5(3), 622–637. https://doi.org/10.46627/silet.v5i3.505 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46627/silet.v5i3.505

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation [MDEC]. (2024, June 27). MDEC and MOHE unite for digital transformation. Business Today. https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2024/06/27/mdec-and-mohe-unite-for-digital-transformation

Masbukhin, F. A. A., & Kusmawan, U. (2025). Integrating Digital Technology and Project-Based Learning in Secondary School Chemistry: Innovative Strategies for Conceptual Understanding. JTK (Jurnal Tadris Kimiya), 10(1), 11–23. https://doi.org/10.15575/jtk.v10i1.40828 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15575/jtk.v10i1.40828

Mohd Salim, M. N. F., Mohd Salim, M. S. A., Shah, D. S. M., Adnan, A. H. M., & Nurcahyawati, V. (2025. Personalised AI Chatbots in ESL and EFL: What do students really want? Creative Art Social Sciences International Conference, 1 (1), 234-239

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2015). Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education). Putrajaya: MOHE.

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2021). Higher Education Digitalisation Plan (HEDP). Putrajaya: MOHE.

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2023, October 16). Higher Education Ministry will strengthen digitalisation in polytechnics through the Poli Digital Agenda. Malay Mail. https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2023/10/16/higher-education-ministry-to-strengthen-digitalisation-in-polytechnics-through-poli-digital-agenda/96525

Ne’matullah, K. F., Pek, L. S. & Roslan, S. A. (2023). Speaking English in job interviews increases employability opportunities: Malaysian employers' perspectives. International Journal of Language, Literacy and Translation 6(2), 166-178.https://doi.org/10.36777/ijollt2023.6.2.085 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36777/ijollt2023.6.2.085

Shah, D. S M., Ya Shak, M. S., & Tahir, M. H. M. Anxiety Reduction in conducting English Oral Presentation using Telegram Application. MNNF Publisher, 1(2020), 301-309

Shah, D. S. M., Salim, M. S. A. M., Adnan, A. H. M., Nurcahyawati, N. V., Salim, M. N. F. M., & Othman, S. (2025). Evaluating the effectiveness of Telegram chatbots for vocabulary learning in ESL and EFL contexts. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(32), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i32.6734 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i32.6734

Downloads

Published

2025-11-16

How to Cite

Mohamad Shah, D. S., Mohd Adnan, A. H., Mohd Salim, M. S. A., Kusmawan, U., & Mohd Salim, M. N. F. (2025). Educational Chatbots in Language Teaching and Learning at Malaysian Universities . Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(34), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i34.7222

Most read articles by the same author(s)