TRAINING ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TO IMPROVE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ WRITING SKILLS IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of an AI-assisted writing training program in improving junior high school students’ writing skills in a rural context. The program was conducted at SMP Negeri 2 Matangkuli, North Aceh, involving 40 students from Grades VII to IX over two months (October–November 2025). A quasi-experimental one-group pretest. Posttest design was applied. Students participated in structured writing workshops integrating AI tools such as Grammarly, QuillBot, and ChatGPT. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ writing performance, with the mean score increasing from 62.45 in the pre-test to 74.10 in the post-test (p < 0.05). The most notable progress was observed in grammar and vocabulary use. In addition, students demonstrated higher engagement, confidence, and digital literacy in using AI responsibly. The findings indicate that AI-assisted writing instruction can effectively enhance EFL writing skills and support digital learning in rural schools when implemented with proper guidance and supervision.