AI-based voice chatbots and speaking skill

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has become an invaluable tool in education, innovating the way students learn and teachers teach. Its benefits include access to personalized educational resources, and developing cognitive skills. The subsequent research aimed to investigate the influence of AIbased voice chatbots in the development of speaking skill of students at Universidad Técnica de Ambato. This study was part of the research project called “Aplicación de herramientas digitales para el aprendizaje y el conocimiento (TAC) en la evaluación de aprendizajes”. For this reason, a mixed approach was applied to fourth-level students, consisting of 24 participants enrolled in “Pedagogía de los Idiomas Nacionales y Extranjeros” program. The qualitative information was collected through 2 surveys, the first one focused on collecting data about the use of ‘‘Tecnologías del aprendizaje y el Conocimiento’’ (TAC) tools in learning, and the second one was applied to collect data about the level of acceptance of the technological tool, considering that was applied a TAM Model questionnaire based on 4 constructs. Quantitative information was collected from a pre and post-test taken from PET (Preliminary English Test) of Cambridge. The test was evaluated using a rubric based on 4 criteria (grammar and vocabulary, discourse management, pronunciation, and interactive communication). Eight interventions were applied, resulting in a statistically significant improvement in speaking skill as exposed by statistical analysis using IBM SPSS. The findings showed a considerable improvement in the students' fluency, since they avoided pauses and hesitations. Moreover, the students demonstrated notable progress in their interactive discourse by employing curated grammar and exhibiting good pronunciation. This improvement was further complemented by the cultivation of problem solving skills and active participation.