ERIC Number: EJ1403015
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1049-4820
EISSN: EISSN-1744-5191
Investigating the Impact of the Amazon Alexa on the Development of L2 Listening and Speaking Skills
Hsiao-Ling Hsu; Howard Hao-Jan Chen; Andrew G. Todd
Interactive Learning Environments, v31 n9 p5732-5745 2023
With advances in technology, intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) have become available to assist users with a variety of tasks using voice commands. Because IPAs may induce dialogic interactions, researchers speculated that they may benefit second language learning, especially regarding pronunciation, listening and speaking skills. So far, very few experimental studies have examined the effects of IPAs. The present study examined the effects of one popular IPA, the Amazon Echo Show, on L2 learners' listening and speaking skills as well as the learners' perceptions of the IPA. Two classes were recruited and randomly assigned as a control and an experimental group. While the control group continued with their regular lessons, the experimental group received seven Alexa sessions (each of around 50 minutes). Both groups took mock TOEIC listening and speaking tests before and after the experiment and the experimental group completed a survey exploring their perceptions of working with the IPA. A significant difference was found regarding speaking, suggesting that learners can improve their speaking skills through interacting with an IPA. The learners reported that IPAs offered more oral interactions and also reduced their speaking anxieties. These positive findings suggest that researchers should further explore the potential of IPAs.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, English (Second Language), Artificial Intelligence, Man Machine Systems, Natural Language Processing, Computer Interfaces, Speech Skills, Language Tests, Second Language Learning, Classroom Communication, Listening Skills, Technology Uses in Education, Student Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness, Second Language Instruction
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Test of English for International Communication
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A