Research Article

From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching

Volume: 1 Number: 1 January 30, 2026
EN TR

From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent in educational practices, offering new avenues for personalization, feedback, and instructional efficiency. Although the majority of existing research focuses on adult learners and higher education, its application in K-12 English language teaching remains underrepresented. This systematic literature review analyzes 54 peer-reviewed studies published in the past decade, following PRISMA guidelinesPRISMA guidelines, to explore how AI is integrated into K-12 English language education. The findings reveal that AI supports the development of core language skills, vocabulary, and grammar through adaptive feedback, contextualized input, and individualized learning experiences. Additionally, AI contributes to learner motivation, engagement, and differentiated instruction, while also raising ethical and pedagogical concerns such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, limited inclusivity, and unequal access. Importantly, the review underscores the continued significance of teacher agency and pedagogical leadership. Successful implementation of AI depends on sustained professional development and approaches that prioritize educational goals over technological possibilities. By centering the K-12 perspective, this study offers a timely contribution to the field of language education and highlights directions for future research, including longitudinal designs and alignment with national curricular reforms.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

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Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma, araştırma ve yayın etiği ilkelerine uygun olarak hazırlanmıştır. Tüm veriler etik kurallara uygun şekilde toplanmış, analiz edilmiş ve raporlanmıştır. Herhangi bir çıkar çatışması bulunmamaktadır.

Thanks

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References

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  3. Al Shobaki, M. J., Abu-Naser, S. S., & Abu Amuna, Y. M. (2022). The role of artificial intelligence in improving the administrative performance of educational institutions. Sustainability, 14(3), 1101. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031101
  4. Almegren, A., Almegren, R. M., Hazaea, A. N., Mahdi, H. S., & Mohammed Ali, J. K. (2025). AI-powered ELT: Instructors’ transformative roles and opportunities. PLOS ONE, 20(5), e0324910. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324910
  5. Bahari, A., Han, F., & Strzelecki, A. (2025). Integrating CALL and AIALL for an interactive pedagogical model of language learning. -, 30, 14305-14333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13388-w
  6. Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory (1st ed.). Prentice-Hall.
  7. Barua, S. (2023). Digital storytelling: Impact on learner engagement and language learning outcomes. International Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 7(6), 25-39. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372110349
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Other Fields of Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 30, 2026

Submission Date

November 17, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 1 Number: 1

APA
Zengin, R., & Korkut, N. (2026). From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 1(1), 59-75. https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG
AMA
1.Zengin R, Korkut N. From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;1(1):59-75. https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG
Chicago
Zengin, Ramazan, and Nilgün Korkut. 2026. “From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching”. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 1 (1): 59-75. https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG.
EndNote
Zengin R, Korkut N (January 1, 2026) From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 1 1 59–75.
IEEE
[1]R. Zengin and N. Korkut, “From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching”, İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 59–75, Jan. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG
ISNAD
Zengin, Ramazan - Korkut, Nilgün. “From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching”. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 1/1 (January 1, 2026): 59-75. https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG.
JAMA
1.Zengin R, Korkut N. From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;1:59–75.
MLA
Zengin, Ramazan, and Nilgün Korkut. “From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching”. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 1, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 59-75, https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG.
Vancouver
1.Ramazan Zengin, Nilgün Korkut. From Applications to Implications: A Systematic Review of Ai in K-12 English Language Teaching. İstanbul 29 Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 1;1(1):59-75. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA34GS37ZG