NON-EFL LEARNERS’ PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF EXPLORING CHATBOTS IN ACADEMIC WRITING CLASS

Abstract
Chatbot integration in Language Education using chatbots
shows potential to improve students’ writing skills. This study
explores the benefits and limitations of using chatbots in
academic writing classes for non-EFL students, specifically
Agrotechnology students at Universitas Mercu Buana
Yogyakarta. This study uses qualitative research data
collected through classroom observations and semi
structured interviews over a semester. The observations
focused on how students use chatbots to produce academic
essays in Academic Writing classes. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with five students. Interview
participants were selected based on their relevance to the
research scope, ensuring that their responses aligned with
the study's objectives while maintaining a focused and
manageable range of inquiry. This study concludes that
integrating chatbots and manual validation to ensure depth
and critical thinking in writing classes using chatbots for non
EFL students is beneficial in developing writing skills that
support their foreign language development.