Educational Chatbots in Language Teaching and Learning at Malaysian Universities

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.