VietTESOL International Convention 2025

In recent years, Google Lens has become a popular tool among students learning English as a foreign language. It allows students to scan text and receive instant translations, making it seemingly convenient for understanding reading passages. According to Du Plessis (2021); Fauzi et al., (2023); Cahyaningrum et al., (2024) Google Lens is a powerful and engaging tool for English vocabulary acquisition among cadets in Politeknik Bumi Akpelni. However, the excessive use of Google Lens has created a dependency that negatively affects language acquisition in reading comprehension classes. This study investigates the extent to which medical students rely on Google Lens in their learning and evaluates the potential advantages and drawbacks of its use in both academic and clinical contexts. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 200 undergraduate medical students of and conducted in-depth interviews with a subset of 20 participants. Findings reveal that over 70% of respondents frequently use Google Lens to understand the reading comprehension texts, save time to look up new words and find answers for comprehension questions. Students reported increased efficiency, comprehension speed and improved confidence in handling unfamiliar materials. However, concerns were raised about over-reliance and reduced critical thinking. The study concludes that, when integrated thoughtfully, Google Lens can serve as a valuable supplementary tool that enhances learning efficiency and engagement. Further guidelines are recommended to optimize its educational impact while minimizing dependency.