"Blending Human Interaction and Artificial Intelligence "

"ABSTRACT Recent advances in English language pedagogy emphasize not only peer-based interaction but also the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen the learning process, make instructions more individual, and offer instant feedback. Based on the cooperative learning theory, the research question of this study is: What is the perception of Saudi undergraduate EFL learners of Face-to-Face Promotional Interaction (FtFPI) and AI-supported English Language Instruction (AI-ELI) and how these modalities can influence the interpersonal behaviors, learning experiences, social and communicative skills, supportive attitudes, and knowledge retention of Saudi undergraduate EFL learners? A quantitative research design was used and data was collected through a 30-item questionnaire with Likert-scale, which was given to 150 undergraduate EFL students of a university in Saudi Arabia. The findings indicate that FtFPI has a huge propensity in enhancing the interpersonal behaviors, positive learning experiences, socialization, and profound learning. Additionally, AI-ELI also enhances the learning activity, feedback, learners\u2019 control, and knowledge retention. These results suggest that a pedagogical congruent combination of FtFPI and AI- facilitated instructional methods produces a combined learning environment that promotes the social and cognitive aspects of EFL learning at the same time."