Table 3. Themes and sub-themes extracted from the opinions of the interviewees.

Themes	Subthemes
PLEs & ChatGPT understanding	take charge of their learning personalize learning experience increase engagement and motivation potential-realization conversational AI
PLE experience	significant experience positive experience critical challenges PLE design conflicts with formal education
ChatGPT familiarity	Familiar Some experience Benefits to apply ChatGPT in PLE personalized and timely feedback and support ChatGPT design Challenges to apply ChatGPT
ChatGPT incorporate PLEs	system design interface design effectively integrated formative assessment loss of personal interaction and engagement complex and time-consuming significant resources and technical expertise
Benefits of ChatGPT incorporate PLEs	increased personalization more flexibility and better quality of learning material user-friendly interface improved learning engagement collaborative learning better outcome increased learning motivation increased efficiency of teaching and learning
One’s experience of PLEs implementation challenges	resistance to change integration issues effectiveness of PLEs accessibility ICT literacy the lack of training ethical issues
Challenges of PLEs implementation involve all stakeholders	design PLEs platform for diverse needs provides personalized support and feedback accessible and inclusive provide adequate training and support system integration security and maintenance of PLEs adjustment shifting educational philology
ChatGPT addresses these challenges	provide real-time support and guidance credible sources of information provide personalized feedback, recommendations, sources adapt to individual needs and abilities create formative assessments time management and organization maintain learner motivation and engagement help develop self-regulated learning
ChatGPT develops non-cognitive skills	timely and targeted feedback help to stay motivated and engaged develop self-regulation skills foster perseverance and self-efficacy overcome challenges develop problem-solving skills
ChatGPT developing metacognitive skills	help managing Web 2.0 tools encourage learners to take an active role prompt to reflect on learning a better understanding of strengths and weaknesses develop self-awareness giving learners more control