Yasir Al-Yafaei | University of Exeter (original) (raw)

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Research paper thumbnail of Utilizing artificial intelligence tools for improving writing skills: Exploring Omani EFL learners’ perspectives

Forum for linguistic studies, Mar 20, 2024

The way that language is learned now needs to be innovative and creative due to changes in educat... more The way that language is learned now needs to be innovative and creative due to changes in educational demands as a result of the unprecedented advancement in technology. Since artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of education to support everyday tasks like teaching and learning languages, this study inspects the Omani EFL learners' perceptions and practices towards utilizing artificial intelligence tools for enhancing their writing skills. To answer the research questions, a number of 61 students from the General Requirements Unit at the Preparatory Studies Centre, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, answered a 5-point Likert questionnaire. After analyzing the collected data statistically using SPSS (0.26), the results showed that Omani EFL students have positive perceptions towards utilizing artificial intelligence writing tools. The findings showed that translating words, phrases, and sentences is where Omani EFL students most frequently use AI tools. In order to verify spelling and grammar, they also employ AI techniques. The participants also report using AI writing tools to generate ideas for their writing and to assist them in composing essays and paragraphs. Findings showed that there were no significant differences between male and female students, and there was no correlation concerning the students' perceptions and practices in utilizing AI tools. The study's recommendations and implications were presented in accordance with this.

Research paper thumbnail of A Linguistic Investigation of Competency in Tense Categories among Omani EFL Students

International Journal of Linguistics and Translation Studies, Dec 31, 2023

This study investigates the competency levels in tense categories among Omani EFL students at the... more This study investigates the competency levels in tense categories among Omani EFL students at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah. The sample included 120 students: 30 students from each level, covering the four levels of the General Foundation Program (GFP). A quantitative research approach was employed, whereby descriptive statistics and t-tests were carried out. It was revealed that the level of competency for levels one and two in tense categories is low. The t-value for the total score of level one is (6.83, P< 0.05) with a real mean (5.96) which is significant at a level of 0.05. As for students in level two, they have a total score (3.27, P< 0.05) with a real mean (7.40) which is significant at a level of 0.5. On the other hand, the level of competency for level three students is at a moderate point. The t-value for the total score (0.45, P >0.01) is not significant compared to the real mean (8.80). Unlike all other foundation (GFP) levels, level four students obtained the highest level of competency in tense categories with a t-value (4.96, P< 0.05) which is significant at the level of 0.5, and the real mean (12.03) is higher than the assumed mean (9). Furthermore, the t-test values are not significant (P >0.05), thereby confirming that no significant difference exists in precision in the level of competency in tense categories among male and female students. Finally, the future tense category proved to be the most challenging one.

Research paper thumbnail of A Review Study on the Impact of Online Collaborative Learning on EFL Students’ Writing Skills

International Journal of Linguistics Studies

This review study endeavors to review the literature on the impact of online collaborative learni... more This review study endeavors to review the literature on the impact of online collaborative learning on EFL students' writing skills. It also adds to the ongoing discussion about the way in which online collaboration might support writing and the extent to which online collaborative learning can facilitate mutual scaffolding among EFL students. In addition, it views the students’ perception and understanding of online collaboration as factors that need to be investigated to explore the impact of such an approach. The study utilized a qualitative method, which particularly relies on gathering materials and conclusions from existing literature such as books, papers, and articles. Based on the existing literature, online collaborative learning had a beneficial impact on the students' writing performance. The findings indicated that the implementation of online collaborative learning effectively facilitates the instructional and educational endeavors of both educators and learner...

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding Teachers’ Integration of Moodle in EFL Classrooms: A Case Study

English Language Teaching, 2019

The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Langu... more The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Language Center of the Salalah College of Technology. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative, interpretive approach with a case study research design was used to collect the data and to deepen our understanding of the phenomena and how it was constructed in social reality of the school.Two teachers have been chosen to be the interviewees, to give their opinions and views on the topic under study, and the factors affecting both the implementation and integration of the Moodle programme. It was evident from the narratives of the two interviewees that the integration of Moodle was successful, and that it has proven to be a useful tool in the teaching and learning processes of English. In spite of some existing factors that may hinder the working mechanisms of the implementation and integration of Moodle, it may be concluded that this platform could be recommended to be extended to the other skil...

Research paper thumbnail of English Language Teaching

The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Langu... more The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Language Center of the Salalah College of Technology. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative, interpretive approach with a case study research design was used to collect the data and to deepen our understanding of the phenomena and how it was constructed in social reality of the school.Two teachers have been chosen to be the interviewees, to give their opinions and views on the topic under study, and the factors affecting both the implementation and integration of the Moodle programme. It was evident from the narratives of the two interviewees that the integration of Moodle was successful, and that it has proven to be a useful tool in the teaching and learning processes of English. In spite of some existing factors that may hinder the working mechanisms of the implementation and integration of Moodle, it may be concluded that this platform could be recommended to be extended to the other skills of the English language that it currently does not support. Following this process will inevitably improve the comprehension and production of the English language and related materials, online and real, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of English Language Teaching

The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Langu... more The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Language Center of the Salalah College of Technology. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative, interpretive approach with a case study research design was used to collect the data and to deepen our understanding of the phenomena and how it was constructed in social reality of the school.Two teachers have been chosen to be the interviewees, to give their opinions and views on the topic under study, and the factors affecting both the implementation and integration of the Moodle programme. It was evident from the narratives of the two interviewees that the integration of Moodle was successful, and that it has proven to be a useful tool in the teaching and learning processes of English. In spite of some existing factors that may hinder the working mechanisms of the implementation and integration of Moodle, it may be concluded that this platform could be recommended to be extended to the other skills of the English language that it currently does not support. Following this process will inevitably improve the comprehension and production of the English language and related materials, online and real, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of Utilizing artificial intelligence tools for improving writing skills: Exploring Omani EFL learners’ perspectives

Forum for linguistic studies, Mar 20, 2024

The way that language is learned now needs to be innovative and creative due to changes in educat... more The way that language is learned now needs to be innovative and creative due to changes in educational demands as a result of the unprecedented advancement in technology. Since artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of education to support everyday tasks like teaching and learning languages, this study inspects the Omani EFL learners' perceptions and practices towards utilizing artificial intelligence tools for enhancing their writing skills. To answer the research questions, a number of 61 students from the General Requirements Unit at the Preparatory Studies Centre, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, answered a 5-point Likert questionnaire. After analyzing the collected data statistically using SPSS (0.26), the results showed that Omani EFL students have positive perceptions towards utilizing artificial intelligence writing tools. The findings showed that translating words, phrases, and sentences is where Omani EFL students most frequently use AI tools. In order to verify spelling and grammar, they also employ AI techniques. The participants also report using AI writing tools to generate ideas for their writing and to assist them in composing essays and paragraphs. Findings showed that there were no significant differences between male and female students, and there was no correlation concerning the students' perceptions and practices in utilizing AI tools. The study's recommendations and implications were presented in accordance with this.

Research paper thumbnail of A Linguistic Investigation of Competency in Tense Categories among Omani EFL Students

International Journal of Linguistics and Translation Studies, Dec 31, 2023

This study investigates the competency levels in tense categories among Omani EFL students at the... more This study investigates the competency levels in tense categories among Omani EFL students at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah. The sample included 120 students: 30 students from each level, covering the four levels of the General Foundation Program (GFP). A quantitative research approach was employed, whereby descriptive statistics and t-tests were carried out. It was revealed that the level of competency for levels one and two in tense categories is low. The t-value for the total score of level one is (6.83, P< 0.05) with a real mean (5.96) which is significant at a level of 0.05. As for students in level two, they have a total score (3.27, P< 0.05) with a real mean (7.40) which is significant at a level of 0.5. On the other hand, the level of competency for level three students is at a moderate point. The t-value for the total score (0.45, P >0.01) is not significant compared to the real mean (8.80). Unlike all other foundation (GFP) levels, level four students obtained the highest level of competency in tense categories with a t-value (4.96, P< 0.05) which is significant at the level of 0.5, and the real mean (12.03) is higher than the assumed mean (9). Furthermore, the t-test values are not significant (P >0.05), thereby confirming that no significant difference exists in precision in the level of competency in tense categories among male and female students. Finally, the future tense category proved to be the most challenging one.

Research paper thumbnail of A Review Study on the Impact of Online Collaborative Learning on EFL Students’ Writing Skills

International Journal of Linguistics Studies

This review study endeavors to review the literature on the impact of online collaborative learni... more This review study endeavors to review the literature on the impact of online collaborative learning on EFL students' writing skills. It also adds to the ongoing discussion about the way in which online collaboration might support writing and the extent to which online collaborative learning can facilitate mutual scaffolding among EFL students. In addition, it views the students’ perception and understanding of online collaboration as factors that need to be investigated to explore the impact of such an approach. The study utilized a qualitative method, which particularly relies on gathering materials and conclusions from existing literature such as books, papers, and articles. Based on the existing literature, online collaborative learning had a beneficial impact on the students' writing performance. The findings indicated that the implementation of online collaborative learning effectively facilitates the instructional and educational endeavors of both educators and learner...

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding Teachers’ Integration of Moodle in EFL Classrooms: A Case Study

English Language Teaching, 2019

The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Langu... more The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Language Center of the Salalah College of Technology. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative, interpretive approach with a case study research design was used to collect the data and to deepen our understanding of the phenomena and how it was constructed in social reality of the school.Two teachers have been chosen to be the interviewees, to give their opinions and views on the topic under study, and the factors affecting both the implementation and integration of the Moodle programme. It was evident from the narratives of the two interviewees that the integration of Moodle was successful, and that it has proven to be a useful tool in the teaching and learning processes of English. In spite of some existing factors that may hinder the working mechanisms of the implementation and integration of Moodle, it may be concluded that this platform could be recommended to be extended to the other skil...

Research paper thumbnail of English Language Teaching

The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Langu... more The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Language Center of the Salalah College of Technology. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative, interpretive approach with a case study research design was used to collect the data and to deepen our understanding of the phenomena and how it was constructed in social reality of the school.Two teachers have been chosen to be the interviewees, to give their opinions and views on the topic under study, and the factors affecting both the implementation and integration of the Moodle programme. It was evident from the narratives of the two interviewees that the integration of Moodle was successful, and that it has proven to be a useful tool in the teaching and learning processes of English. In spite of some existing factors that may hinder the working mechanisms of the implementation and integration of Moodle, it may be concluded that this platform could be recommended to be extended to the other skills of the English language that it currently does not support. Following this process will inevitably improve the comprehension and production of the English language and related materials, online and real, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of English Language Teaching

The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Langu... more The study explores the integration and implementation of the Moodle platform at the English Language Center of the Salalah College of Technology. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative, interpretive approach with a case study research design was used to collect the data and to deepen our understanding of the phenomena and how it was constructed in social reality of the school.Two teachers have been chosen to be the interviewees, to give their opinions and views on the topic under study, and the factors affecting both the implementation and integration of the Moodle programme. It was evident from the narratives of the two interviewees that the integration of Moodle was successful, and that it has proven to be a useful tool in the teaching and learning processes of English. In spite of some existing factors that may hinder the working mechanisms of the implementation and integration of Moodle, it may be concluded that this platform could be recommended to be extended to the other skills of the English language that it currently does not support. Following this process will inevitably improve the comprehension and production of the English language and related materials, online and real, respectively.