Exploring the impact of AI on EFL teaching in Japan

Abstract

This study investigates the use of digital personal assistants (also known as smart speakers) as part of a blended-learning (BL) environment to increase the English ability of native Japanese undergraduates. Three case studies are presented to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) smart speakers to help improve the English skills of native Japanese undergraduates by enhancing the socialization and personalization of their learning. The primary objective of the three case studies was to evaluate the efficacy of a training program that included the AI smart speakers Google Home Mini and Amazon Alexa in assisting the students in improving their English proficiency. TOEIC was utilized as a metric to ascertain if the students’ English abilities improved and assess the training program’s overall efficacy. Within a flipped learning (FL) environment, the case studies also incorporate 21st-century learning skills for developing international cultural awareness. Overall, mean TOEIC scores improved considerably, demonstrating that AI smart speakers helped to enhance the participants’ overall English proficiency. Post-training survey results also revealed that the participants felt that using a smart speaker was a fun, easy-to-use, and practical way to improve their English speaking and vocabulary skills.