The 2nd VietCALL International Convention (VietCALL 2026)

Positive but Cautious: Vietnamese EFL Students’ Attitudes Toward Responsible AI Use in Essay Writing

Not scheduled

20m

Ethics & Responsible AI Use

Speaker

Quang Ngoc Thuy Tran (Hue University of Foreign Languages and International Studies)

Description

As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes increasingly integrated into English language learning, promoting its responsible use has emerged as a critical concern in TESOL. This study investigates Vietnamese EFL students’ attitudes toward responsible AI use in academic essay writing through the four dimensions of the ABCE attitude framework (Affective, Behavioural, Cognitive, and Ethical) and identifies factors shaping these attitudes. It employed a mixed-methods design in which quantitative data were collected from 100 third-year English-major students using a structured questionnaire based on the ABCE framework, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 volunteer participants. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were complemented by thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of students’ perceptions and experiences. The findings indicate that Vietnamese EFL students generally hold positive yet cautious attitudes toward AI-assisted essay writing. Students viewed AI primarily as a learning support tool for brainstorming, language improvement, and writing development rather than as a substitute for independent thinking. However, concerns about overreliance, academic integrity, and verifying AI-generated content remained evident. Among the four ABCE dimensions, cognitive and affective factors exerted the strongest influence on students’ overall attitudes toward responsible AI use. The findings suggest that while Vietnamese EFL students are generally prepared to use AI responsibly, they require greater support in developing AI literacy, critical evaluation skills, and ethical awareness. The study highlights the importance of integrating responsible AI use into writing instruction, encouraging AI use as a learning scaffold while preserving learner autonomy and academic integrity through transparent institutional guidelines.
Keywords: responsible AI use, generative artificial intelligence, essay writing, Vietnamese EFL students