Enhancing English Communicative Competence through AI Tools in Vocational Higher Education: A Study Among English for Professional Purposes (EPP) Students

Authors

Keywords:

Communicative Competence, AI tools, english for professional purposes, EPP, AI-assisted language learning, generative AI, TALL, TALE, TELL, vocational higher education, language learning strategies

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of AI tools in promoting language competence (LC) among English for Professional Purposes (EPP) students in vocational higher education. Low LC among EPP learners has implications for academic performance, social integration, and self-confidence at the individual level, and overall student quality and graduate output at the institutional level. A qualitative study was implemented with a focus on exploring the AI tools being employed by EPP learners for language learning, the frequency of use, and the features of the AI tools that promote language competence among EPP learners. Qualitative interview data from nine (9) respondents were analyzed for codes related to the research objectives. Findings highlighted the role of AI features that support feedback, translation, vocabulary auto-suggestion, assessment, and self-monitoring in promoting language competence. Participants also believe higher language competence is related to more frequent use of these AI tools. The study bridges the current gap in the enhancement of communicative competence among EPP students and contributes to ongoing discourse on the specific role of AI-Assisted Language Learning (AALL) within the broader technology-aided language learning (TALL) and language learning strategies (LLS) discourse. Future studies employing quantitative approaches and longitudinal studies will contribute to enhancing the findings while also addressing the development of a clear model for promoting the various components and overall communicative competence of vocational EPP students.

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Author Biographies

  • Shahd Ashraf Abdelhamed, Universiti Sains Malaysia

    Shahd is an English Linguist and EFL instructor. She is currently a doctoral scholar at the Center for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia. She is an  with a research focus on integrating educational technologies within language learning. She investigates how digital tools can transform language acquisition especially within EFL learning contexts. Shahd aims to contribute to bridging the gap in theoretical and applied linguistics through innovative methodologies, especially on how emerging technologies and platforms can be leveraged to promote language learning effectiveness. 

  • Bosede Iyiade Edwards, Universiti Sains Malaysia

    Dr. Bosede Iyiade Edwards' is a Senior Lecturer at the Center for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang. Her research interests are in emerging technologies in education, Human–Machine Interfaces in Education, and Adaptive Learning Interfaces within the future school theme. She is a seasoned academic and industry professional with over 25 years of work experience. She holds both Masters and PhD in Educational Technology in addition to a Honours Bachelors in Chemistry, Master in Organic Chemistry, and a PGD in Education. This multidisciplinary background enriches her perspectives in research and teaching. She has a proven track record in research leadership and trans-disciplinary approaches to academic research. She has authored and co-authored over 25 journals and conference papers, and has been recognized with the IEEE Frontiers in Education 'Faculty Fellow' Award. She is passionate about SDG4, and how educational technologies can be leveraged for promoting equitable education.

  • Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia

    Professor Dr. Wan Ahmad Jaafar Wan Yahaya has been Director at the Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia (PTPM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia since 2016. He is the Chairman of the Technical Committee on Audio, Video, Information Technology, and Communication Equipment at the Department of Standard Malaysia, Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Multimedia Education from the University of Leeds and a Master of Education (Computer in Education) from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He has published more than 180 articles/papers in indexed journals like Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), SCSI, SSCI, conference proceedings, and book chapters, primarily in the field of multimedia education. He is the recipient of the Thailand Association International Honor Award for Outstanding Contributions to the field of Educational Communications and Technology for the year 2023.

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Published

29-06-2025

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Ashraf Abdelhamed, S. ., Edwards, B. I., & Jaafar Wan Yahaya, W. A. . (2025). Enhancing English Communicative Competence through AI Tools in Vocational Higher Education: A Study Among English for Professional Purposes (EPP) Students. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 17(2), 137-150. https://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JTET/article/view/19641

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