Intelligent ESL Mobile Learning:

A Quantitative Case Study on Students’ Perceptions of AI Integration in a Malaysian University

Authors

  • Rafidah Abd Karim Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak
  • Nurul Farhani Che Ghani Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak
  • Azurawati Zaidi Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak
  • Farahidatul Akmar Awaludin Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak
  • Nor Najihah Norafand Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak
  • Ong Elly Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak
  • Mohd Hafiz Mat Adam Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang

Keywords:

intelligent mobile learning , ESL, artificial intelligence, undergraduate students

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mobile learning has introduced new prospects for personalised, efficient, and adaptive educational experiences in higher education. This study examines ESL Malaysian university students’ perceptions of AI integration in intelligent mobile learning applications and their learning experience. In this study, a quantitative case study design was employed, and an online questionnaire was disseminated to 142 undergraduate students to collect data. The SPPS version 27 software was used to analyse the results. The results showed that the undergraduate students have positive perceptions toward the AI-integrated mobile learning applications for enhancing English language learning. Besides that, the findings revealed that there was a strong acceptance of AI-integrated mobile learning applications among the undergraduate students. The results indicate that although Malaysian university students have positive perceptions of AI-integrated mobile learning for ESL acquisition, successful deployment necessitates focused institutional assistance. Educators and curriculum developers need to deliver systematic education on AI literacy and ethical use to increase student involvement and limit dependency on AI technologies for language learning. Hence, the findings indicate that students are ready for AI-based mobile learning, and therefore, the adoption of AI technologies in ESL frameworks by higher education institutions is imperative to promote students’ autonomy and language proficiency.

References

Adawiah, R., Muliati, A., & Samtidar, S. (2024). The effect of ELSA Speak application on students’ English pronunciation development. Journal of Excellence in English Language Education, 3(1), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.26858/joeele.v3i1,January.59627 .

Awaludin, F. A., Junid, R. A., Zaidi, A., Ghani, N. F. C., Karim, R. A., Ibrahim, N. A., Norafand, N. N. (2025). Student Engagement and Perceptions of AI-Powered Tools in ESL Learning: Effectiveness in Higher Education. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9 (11), https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100264.

Basaruddin, M. A. ., & Mustafa, H. R. (2025). Empowering AI for English Materials Analysis in Malaysian Primary Special Education Schools. AJELP: Asian Journal of English Language and Pedagogy, 13(1), 16-40. https://doi.org/10.37134/ajelp.vol13.1.2.2025

Branzuela, F. D., Valle, L., Lavador, L., Calvo, A., & Rom, L. J. (2025). Perceived convenience and technology acceptance of mobile applications of the pre-service teachers in learning English. Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science – Social Sciences, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.15.4.3202.2025

Brandhofer, G., & Tengler, K. (2024). Acceptance of artificial intelligence in education: opportunities, concerns and need for action. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 4(2), 1105-1113. https://doi.org/10.25082/AMLER.2024.02.005

Chan, C. K. Y., & Hu, W. (2023). Students' voices on generative AI: Perceptions, benefits, and challenges in higher education. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 12145–12180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12217-5

Chen, Y. (2023). Integrating a Game-Based App to Enhance Translation Learners’ Engagement, Motivation, and Performance. International Journal of Instruction, 16(2), 759–782.

Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2023). Artificial intelligence in higher education: The state of the field. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00392-8

Fitriati, S. W., & Williyan, A. (2025). AI-enhanced self-regulated learning: EFL learners' prioritization and utilization in presentation skills development. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 9(2), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202530647

Guan, L., Li, S., & Gu, M. M. (2024). AI in informal digital English learning: A meta-analysis of its effectiveness on proficiency, motivation, and self-regulation. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 7, 100323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100323

Guo, S., Halim, H. B. A., & Saad, M. R. B. M. (2025). Leveraging AI-enabled mobile learning platforms to enhance the effectiveness of English teaching in universities. Scientific Reports, 15, 15873. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00801-0

Karim, R. A., Mohd Adnan, A. H., Abu, A. G., Idris, N., & Ismail, I. (2021). Mobile-Assisted Mind Mapping (MAMMAT) as a Tool to Support University Students’ Argumentative Writing. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 15(05), 43–53. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i05.14003

Karim, R.A. (2025). AI Content Creation: Exploring the Potential of Mobile Learning. In: Lee, K.W., Wong, L.H. (eds) Intelligent Technology for Educational Applications. ITEA 2024. Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2384. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4090-4_12

Kukulska-Hulme, A. (2020). Mobile and Personal Learning for Newcomers to a City. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 17(1) 93–10. https://doi.org/10.56040/agkh1717

Lakulu, M. M., Izkair, A. S., Abdul Muttalib, M. F., & Zainuddin, N. A. (2025). Understanding AI and mobile learning adoption in Malaysian universities: A UTAUT-based model. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 19(11), 80–111. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i11.52977

McCarthy, K. S., & Yan, E. F. (2024). Reading comprehension and constructive learning: Policy considerations in the age of artificial intelligence. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 11(1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322231218891

Mingyan, M., Noordin, N., & Razali, A. B. (2025). Improving EFL speaking performance among undergraduate students with an AI-powered mobile app in after-class assignments: An empirical investigation. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12, 370. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04688-0

MOE (2017). Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education). Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Moradi, H. (2025). Integrating AI in higher education: factors influencing ChatGPT acceptance among Chinese university EFL students. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 22(1), 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-025-00530-4

Moya, S. & Camacho, M. (2024). Leveraging AI-powered mobile learning: A pedagogically informed framework. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 7, 100276. https://doi.org/10.56040/agkh171

Panwale, S. B., & Vijayakumar, S. (2025). Evaluating AI-Personalized Learning Interventions in Distance Education. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 26(1), 157–174. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v26i1.7813

Pham, A. T., & Truong, U. T. (2023). Students' attitudes towards mobile learning: A case study in higher education in Vietnam. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 18(7), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i07.38003

Rachbauer, T., Graup, J., & Rutter, E. (2025). Digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence literacy in teacher training. Forum for Education Studies, 3(1), 1842-1891. https://10.59400/fes1842

Sharmithashini, M., & Hashim, H. (2025). Sustaining ESL writing development with AI-driven automated feedback systems: A systematic review (2006–2025). International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 531–550. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.908000041

Tlili, A., Shehata, B., Adarkwah, M. A., Bozkurt, A., Hickey, D. T., Huang, R., & Agyemang, B. (2023). What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-0023

Thiruchelvan, T., & Zakaria, N. Y. K. (2026). ESL teachers’ perceptions of AI-powered writing assistants in language learning. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counselling (IJEPC), 11(62), 1282–1295. https://doi.org/10.35631/IJEPC.1162074

Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425–478. https://doi.org/10.2307/30036540

Wei, L. (2023). Artificial intelligence in language instruction: Impact on English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and self-regulated learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1261955. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1261955

Xu, S., Khan, K. I., & Shahzad, M. F. (2024). Examining the influence of technological self-efficacy, perceived trust, security, and electronic word of mouth on ICT usage in the education sector. Scientific Reports, 14, 16196. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66689-4

Yuen, C. L., & Schlote, N. (2024). Learner experiences of mobile apps and artificial intelligence to support additional language learning in education. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 52(4), 507–525. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472395241238693

Zulkefli, N. H., & Ismail, H. H. (2025). The impact of AI on ESL writing autonomy: A systematic review. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 10(8), e003555. https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v10i8.3555

Downloads

Published

2026-09-04

How to Cite

Abd Karim, R., Che Ghani , N. F. ., Zaidi, A., Awaludin, F. A., Norafand , N. N. ., Elly , O., & Mat Adam , M. H. . (2026). Intelligent ESL Mobile Learning: : A Quantitative Case Study on Students’ Perceptions of AI Integration in a Malaysian University . Gading Journal for the Social Sciences (e-ISSN 2600-7568), 29(2), 201–211. Retrieved from https://gadingssuitm.com/index.php/gadingss/article/view/869