Students’ perseptions of the use of ChatGPT in writing skills

Abstract

The research explored the perceptions of 32 students at the Technical University of Cotopaxi regarding the use of ChatGPT as a writing support tool in English. While pre- and post-tests were used to observe performance trends, the central objective was to analyze student attitudes toward the usefulness of AI in generating ideas, providing accurate feedback, and improving the writing process. Through descriptive statistics and surveys, the findings indicate that most participants perceive ChatGPT as an effective assistant for organizing ideas, improving grammar, and expanding vocabulary. Students highlighted the immediacy of the feedback and the increased confidence it gave them when starting tasks, valuing the ability to compare their original work with improved alternatives. This fostered more active revision and a clearer understanding of grammatical patterns. Although a minority expressed concerns about technological dependence and the need for teacher verification, the results reveal a predominantly positive perception. It is concluded that ChatGPT functions as a valuable complementary educational resource that, under pedagogical guidance, strengthens the autonomous development of writing in a second languag