Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices
The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) raises critical questions about learner autonomy and agency. This exploratory case study examines how four university-level German language learners with diverse backgrounds developed autonomy in their learning process through engagement wi...
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Education Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/12/1369 |
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| author | Antonie Alm |
| author_facet | Antonie Alm |
| author_sort | Antonie Alm |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) raises critical questions about learner autonomy and agency. This exploratory case study examines how four university-level German language learners with diverse backgrounds developed autonomy in their learning process through engagement with AI tools. The study was conducted in early 2023 when most learners were first discovering ChatGPT’s potential for language learning. Data were collected through reflective journals, digital portfolios, and interviews during a semester-long course that scaffolded self-directed learning with AI integration. The findings reveal emerging patterns of shared agency between learners and AI tools. Learners developed distinct strategies for AI integration based on their language learning backgrounds, with heritage speakers focusing on accuracy improvement while classroom learners emphasized communication practice. Cross-case analyses identified key dimensions of autonomy development: a critical evaluation of AI output, evolving learner–AI relationships, maintaining and developing a second language (L2) voice, and the strategic integration of AI tools while preserving learner agency. These patterns suggest that autonomy in AI-mediated environments manifests through learners’ capacity to engage productively with AI while maintaining critical awareness and personal agency in their learning process. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-fca6ef3543494038932f0d2491eb2aca |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2227-7102 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Education Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-fca6ef3543494038932f0d2491eb2aca2024-12-27T14:22:39ZengMDPI AGEducation Sciences2227-71022024-12-011412136910.3390/educsci14121369Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and ChoicesAntonie Alm0Languages and Cultures Programme, School of Arts, University of Otago, 95 Albany Street, Dunedin 9016, New ZealandThe emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) raises critical questions about learner autonomy and agency. This exploratory case study examines how four university-level German language learners with diverse backgrounds developed autonomy in their learning process through engagement with AI tools. The study was conducted in early 2023 when most learners were first discovering ChatGPT’s potential for language learning. Data were collected through reflective journals, digital portfolios, and interviews during a semester-long course that scaffolded self-directed learning with AI integration. The findings reveal emerging patterns of shared agency between learners and AI tools. Learners developed distinct strategies for AI integration based on their language learning backgrounds, with heritage speakers focusing on accuracy improvement while classroom learners emphasized communication practice. Cross-case analyses identified key dimensions of autonomy development: a critical evaluation of AI output, evolving learner–AI relationships, maintaining and developing a second language (L2) voice, and the strategic integration of AI tools while preserving learner agency. These patterns suggest that autonomy in AI-mediated environments manifests through learners’ capacity to engage productively with AI while maintaining critical awareness and personal agency in their learning process.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/12/1369language learninglearner autonomyartificial intelligence |
| spellingShingle | Antonie Alm Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices Education Sciences language learning learner autonomy artificial intelligence |
| title | Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices |
| title_full | Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices |
| title_short | Exploring Autonomy in the AI Wilderness: Learner Challenges and Choices |
| title_sort | exploring autonomy in the ai wilderness learner challenges and choices |
| topic | language learning learner autonomy artificial intelligence |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/12/1369 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT antoniealm exploringautonomyintheaiwildernesslearnerchallengesandchoices |