VietTESOL International Convention 2026

This research investigates how learning supported by artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how university students in Vietnam view and utilize English, shifting it from being a foreign language to a second language. The study was conducted with students from the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Hai Phong University and examines the impact of AI-driven tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and various language-learning apps on students' daily interactions with English outside the conventional classroom. Utilizing frameworks from sociocultural theory and technology-enhanced language learning, this study employs a mixed-methods strategy that includes surveys and semi-structured interviews to analyze students' learning routines, language use, and perceptions regarding English in both academic and non-academic contexts. Initial findings suggest that AI technologies promote more consistent and independent engagement with English through diverse activities such as academic writing, online messages, information retrieval, and self-guided speaking exercises. Consequently, English is increasingly considered not just an academic subject but rather a practical tool for communication, education, and participation in the digital age. The research emphasizes substantial implications for teaching English at Vietnamese universities, underlining the importance of incorporating AI literacy, fostering learner independence, and embracing genuine communicative approaches in teaching methods. Attendees of the presentation are likely to receive useful guidance on integrating AI-supported endeavors into higher education English programs, aligning with the changing significance of English in modern society.
Key words: Artificial Intelligence (AI); English as a Second Language; Vietnamese Higher Education; Technology-Enhanced Language Learning; Learner Autonomy