Abstract
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and its widespread adoption in language education have altered the way English is learned. Despite abundant research on the classroom-based implementation of educational technologies, learners’ affective responses to the digital transformation outside classrooms have been relatively overlooked. This study examines the association between informal digital learning of English mediated by AI (AI-IDLE) and university students’ enjoyment in this learning practice. A structured, paper-based survey focusing on the nexus of AI-IDLE and L2 enjoyment was conducted with 304 Vietnamese EFL students, aged between 19 and 23, from two different universities. They enrolled in three different disciplines, including Business Administration (n = 87), Finance and Accounting (n = 104), and Tourism (n = 113). Results show a positively strong correlation between these two variables, an indication of students’ enjoyment in informal digital learning activities through the mediation of AI. They could benefit from the rich exposure to L2 and culture that are partially conducive to their enhancement in speaking and writing skills. This study makes contributions to the burgeoning body of research on the importance of AI and digital resources in supporting beyond-class language education and fostering positive emotional nuances.
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