Enhancing Learning in the UAE: Exploring ChatGPT as a More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) in Science and Non-Science Courses in the UAE

Authors

Nagaletchimee Annamalai, School of Distance Education1 Universiti Sains Malaysia naga@usm.my Humanities and Social Sciences Research Centre2, Ajman University, Ajman, UAEFollow
S. Abdellatif, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE\\ Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center (HSSRC), Ajman University, Ajman, UAEFollow
Gaforov Ikboljon Uktamovich, Fergana State University, English Language Teaching Methodology Department UzbekistanFollow
Bilal Mohammed Zakarneh, Department of Languages, and Culture College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE

Abstract

This study examines the role of ChatGPT as a More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) in educational settings, encompassing both scientific and non-scientific courses. A qualitative case study involved 20 educators from higher education institutions. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, and the collected data was subsequently analysed using the thematic analysis suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings emphasize the significance of validating educational resources and maintaining control over their usage to mitigate issues related to plagiarism and uphold academic integrity. ChatGPT serves as an MKO by guiding learners in enhancing their technical writing skills and aiding in information gathering across science and art courses. Nevertheless, concerns arise about the possible misuse of ChatGPT for generating reports and homework, which raises concerns about a new form of plagiarism. Findings revealed that ChatGPT excels in simplifying complex scientific concepts to provide foundational knowledge but falls short in facilitating in-depth discussions and interpreting visual data. In conclusion, this research journal enhances our comprehension of ChatGPT's role as an MKO in education. It provides insights into its advantages and constraints while offering practical recommendations for its responsible integration into the evolving educational landscape.

Keywords

ChatGPT, science courses, non-science courses, more knowledgeable other

Author Bio(s)

Nagaletchimee Annamalai - Please direct correspondence to naga@usm.my

Acknowledgements

Funding: This study was supported by an external grant, TRIP GUARD SDN BHD under USM [grant number (304/PJJAUH/6501284/T159)].

Publication Date

2-16-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2025.6874

Recommended APA Citation

Annamalai, N., Abdellatif, S., Uktamovich, G. I., & Zakarneh, B. M. (2025). Enhancing learning in the UAE: Exploring ChatGPT as a more knowledgeable other (MKO) in science and non-science courses in the UAE. The Qualitative Report, 30(1), 3101-3120. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.6874

ORCID ID

0000-0002-8600-5624

ResearcherID

L-9140-2015