2026-10-11T19:39:18Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/33811229 2026-09-15T17:36:59Z category_15 category_45 category_734 category_106 category_122 portal_5 item_type_3 month_year_09_2026

<p>Participants’ basic demographic information.</p> Nada Bin Dahmash (24948446) Neuroscience Sociology Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified Science Policy Mental Health ultimately providing insights participants &# 8217 content analysis revealed saudi arabian university benefit academic studies study therefore defined language students engage mediated literacy practices english language development english language aimed language learning foreign language university assignments students engaged academic research study addresses case study english reading vocational activities underexplored area three domains speaking skills retrospective interviews potential benefits focus group encouraged teachers daily life currently known categorized according artificial intelligence approximately 50 <div><p>Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have encouraged teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to evaluate its potential benefits to the process of language learning. However, little is currently known about how language learners use AI outside the EFL classroom. Accordingly, this study addresses the underexplored area of informal, AI-mediated English literacy practices among EFL learners. Data from a qualitative case study involving 12 postgraduate students who participated in a focus group and retrospective interviews at a Saudi Arabian university were analyzed. Content analysis revealed the students engaged in English literacy practices using AI, and that these were categorized according to their usage in three domains: (1) practices for English language development, (2) to assist with daily life, and (3) to benefit academic studies. Approximately 50% of AI engagement in the English language aimed to practice the participants’ English reading, writing, and speaking skills, while leveraging customized learning opportunities. In addition, examples serving daily life functions were related to personal and vocational activities, and those serving academic life focused on preparing for examinations, academic research, and university assignments. The study therefore defined the concept of AI-mediated English literacy practices, ultimately providing insights into how language students engage in informal AI-mediated literacy practices in EFL settings. Thus, the findings reveal valuable pedagogical insights to inform EFL teachers.</p></div> 2026-09-15T17:36:49Z Dataset Dataset 10.1371/journal.pone.0358237.t002 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/_p_Participants_basic_demographic_information_p_/33811229 CC BY 4.0