Variances in Faculty and Student Knowledge and Perceptions of ChatGPT
Tharwat M. El-Sakran (American University of Sharjah)
Khawlah Ahmed (American University of Sharjah)
Abstract
The introduction of ChatGPT has sparked interest on college campuses globally, prompting varied reactions from educational institutions. We aim to fill gaps in existing literature by exploring faculty and student perceptions of ChatGPT at a UAE higher education institution. We investigate knowledge levels, faculty support for integration into teaching, and beliefs regarding its suitability in academia. Through online questionnaires with 45 faculty members and 380 students, employing the technology acceptance model (TAM), we have identified disparities in user knowledge and application. Students demonstrated greater ease of use and application in research. We reveal significant differences in perceptions of university support for ChatGPT, highlighting potential distrust between faculty and students. We stress the importance of fostering relational trust, enhancing faculty technical competence, and promoting responsible technology use. We encourage administrators to adapt ChatGPT in education and suggest future investigations into gender differences and broader university samples for enhanced generalizability.
Research Paper (In person; 25 minutes)
Technology / Online Learning / AI / CALL / MALL
General Interest
About the Presenters
Dr. Tharwat M. El-Sakran's research interests are in the fields of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), teaching English for specific purposes (TESP), discourse analysis, intercultural communication, and forensic linguistics. He has published four books and a substantial number of research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Along with his colleagues, he has been engaged in the teaching of technical communication skills through engineering multidisciplinary projects. In such projects, the focus is on teamwork, personality management and development, and student-centered learning. Dr. El-Sakran is one of the associate editors for the International Journal of English for Specific Purposes. He is also a certified fraud examiner.
Dr. Khawlah Ahmed is a professor of English. She has a multidisciplinary academic background with degrees in English education, English literature, and sociology, and certificates in teaching computer management instruction, teacher effectiveness training, and self-esteem training, as well as a New York State permanent teaching certification. She has been teaching for more than 15 years and has worked in many capacities, including as an administrator (as a dean, associate dean, and director), education specialist, coordinator, and undergraduate and graduate faculty member, for government and private institutions.
