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Using AI Chatbots to Practice Spoken Interaction for Engineering ELLs

Daniel Portman (Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem, Israel)
Hannah Landes (Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem, Israel)

 

Abstract

At the Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem, the English for Purposes of International Communication (EPIC) Department made a strategic decision to embrace AI tools to promote autonomous learning. For example, to help students prepare for spoken interaction tasks, we designed AI-generated chatbots to simulate these kinds of professional situations. After making these AI tools available, we became curious regarding which tools are used and in what way. We also wanted to know if there is a connection between their use and student outcomes. In this presentation, after a brief overview of our AI chatbot, we will discuss the data we have analyzed from last semester’s cohort. We will then share our insights and possible pedagogical implications. We hope that fellow practitioners who have integrated AI or who are planning to integrate AI into their curriculum will benefit from our findings.

Research Paper (Video; 25 minutes)

Technology / Online Learning / AI / CALL / MALL

Primarily of interest to teachers of university students


About the Presenters

Dr. Daniel Portman teaches and develops curricula for English, presentation skills, and intercultural communication at Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem. He also serves as his department's representative at Azrieli’s Center for Excellence for Innovative Teaching. Outside of the college, Daniel teaches English to industry professionals. His research interests include English for professional purposes, English teacher education, and teaching/learning writing.

Dr. Hannah Landes teaches English at Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem. Recently, Hannah has been a partner in digitizing the courses, including AI, to help students practice reading/speaking autonomously. Hannah also serves as the pedagogical coordinator of the CPD program in higher education for Israel Network of English Teachers, designed to align English teaching/learning with the CEFR.

D. Portman & H. Landes. “Using AI Chatbots to Practice Spoken Interaction for Engineering ELLs”