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Supporting Speaking Practice by Social Network-Based Interaction in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Language Learning

Author

Listed:
  • Bin Zou

    (Department of Applied Linguistics, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China)

  • Xin Guan

    (Department of Applied Linguistics, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China)

  • Yinghua Shao

    (Department of Applied Linguistics, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China)

  • Peng Chen

    (Department of Applied Linguistics, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China)

Abstract

In recent decades, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has led to the increasing use of AI speaking apps in foreign language learning. This research investigates the impact of social network-based interaction on students’ English speaking practice with the assistance of AI speaking apps in China. During the summer vacation, 70 students from different Chinese universities and majors were recruited for the experiment. They were required to practice speaking skills with AI apps for five weeks and were divided into two groups. Participants in the experimental group were encouraged to engage in various interactive activities when practicing speaking with AI apps, while those in the control group were asked to use AI speaking apps without interaction. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as well as pre-and post-tests. The results indicated that students generally held positive attitudes towards interactive activities when using AI apps to practice their spoken English. The finding also showed that social network-based interaction can effectively improve learners’ speaking skills in the AI context. This study contributes to the research on the implementation and promotion of AI speaking apps with social networking and extends the previous studies on network-based interaction to the AI-assisted learning environment. An investigation of interactions based on Chinese social network-based platforms such as WeChat can be further applied to other social networking platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp in different cultural contexts for AI-assisted speaking practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Bin Zou & Xin Guan & Yinghua Shao & Peng Chen, 2023. "Supporting Speaking Practice by Social Network-Based Interaction in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Language Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:2872-:d:1058418
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joy Egbert & Omran Akasha & Leslie Huff & HyunGyung Lee, 2011. "Moving Forward: Anecdotes and Evidence Guiding the Next Generation of CALL," International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT), IGI Global, vol. 1(1), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Halima Bahi & Khaled Necibi, 2020. "Fuzzy Logic Applied for Pronunciation Assessment," International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT), IGI Global, vol. 10(1), pages 60-72, January.
    3. Murad Abdu Saeed & Mohammed Abdullah Alharbi & Amr Abdullatif Yassin, 2021. "Sustaining Synchronous Interaction Effectiveness in Distance Writing Courses: A Mixed Method Study in a KSA University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-22, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bin Zou & Yiran Du & Zhimai Wang & Jinxian Chen & Weilei Zhang, 2023. "An Investigation Into Artificial Intelligence Speech Evaluation Programs With Automatic Feedback for Developing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skills," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, August.

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