Using a Smartphone-based Chatbot in EFL Learners' Oral Tasks

IF 0.9 Q3 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning Pub Date : 2022-01-01 DOI:10.4018/ijmbl.299405

引用次数: 0

Abstract

Large class sizes significantly limit EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners' speaking opportunities in class, and it is also quite difficult for them to have a regular language partner if they want to practice English after class. Microsoft Xiaoying, a chatbot available on smart phones, offers EFL learners a virtual partner for them to conduct conversational practice with, and engage in language learning anytime and anywhere. This study evaluates 50 EFL learners’ accuracy, errors, and improvements in oral tasks during 28 days of training employing this chatbot, which located their grammar and pronunciation errors. The subjects’ grammar and pronunciation accuracy increased, and their oral performance was significantly improved. In addition, the chatbot was positively perceived by most participants. This study suggests that this chatbot could be one useful learning tool for after-class oral practice and that students might significantly improve their grammar and pronunciation through conversational practice with this chatbot.

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智能手机聊天机器人在英语学习者口语任务中的应用

大班授课极大地限制了英语学习者在课堂上的口语机会，而且如果他们想在课后练习英语，也很难找到固定的语言伙伴。微软智能手机聊天机器人“小英”为英语学习者提供了一个虚拟伙伴，可以随时随地进行会话练习，参与语言学习。本研究评估了50名英语学习者在28天的口语任务训练中使用聊天机器人的准确性、错误和改进，发现了他们的语法和发音错误。被试的语法和发音准确性提高，口语表现明显改善。此外，大多数参与者都对聊天机器人有积极的看法。本研究表明，该聊天机器人可以作为一种有用的课外口语练习学习工具，学生可以通过与该聊天机器人的会话练习显著提高语法和发音。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

7.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： The primary mission of the International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning (IJMBL) is to provide insight and understanding into the role of innovative learning theory and practice in an increasingly mobile and pervasive technological environment. As technology enables a more seamless experience of device-supported learning worlds that may integrate mobile, embedded, augmented, and immersive technologies, researchers, professionals, and academicians may expect to see increasing interest and activity in blended approaches to learning. IJMBL brings together experts at the forefront of this field, in both technology and pedagogical practice, and assists them in the development and dissemination of new approaches to both mobile and blended learning.