Exploring English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Competencies in using AI for Teaching and Learning

Artificial Intelligence is a new dominant technological trend in the process of education. It is proved to be effective in enhancing learning process and promote learners’ engagement. Consequently, the effective use of AI requires a skillful teach who has the required pedagogical and conceptual competencies to use the applications effectively. Thus, the present research tries to explore EFL teachers' competencies in using AI for teaching and learning. Following the descriptive analytical method of research, the research uses an observation sheet as a main instrument to investigate (15) university teachers’ competencies of using AI applications in EFL instruction. Those teachers are a staff at Salahaddin University-Erbil who teach EFL for the first year at the faculties of Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Economy and Management. Results of the observation sheet reveals that demonstrated a deep practice and use of AI applications, particularly in content development, lesson planning, test generation, lesson delivery, language skills development, vocabulary and grammar instruction, classroom automation and self-directed and personalized practice using adaptive platforms. However, the observations also revealed weak performance and less ability in foundational AI knowledge, especially regarding core concepts such as machine learning, natural language processing, and algorithmic bias.