Open AccessChatbots for Action-Oriented Language Learning Using Elbot to Enhance Conflict-Solving Skills in Learners of German as a Foreign Language
Author(s) -
Francesca Mazzilli
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
educazione linguistica language education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2280-6792
DOI - 10.30687/elle/2280-6792/2021/01/005
Subject(s) - german , chatbot , foreign language , set (abstract data type) , context (archaeology) , computer science , task (project management) , action (physics) , action research , language acquisition , mathematics education , psychology , linguistics , artificial intelligence , engineering , paleontology , philosophy , physics , systems engineering , quantum mechanics , biology , programming language
The aim of this study is to investigate (i) how learners perceive the non-educational chatbot Elbot as a language learning tool in a formal context (university German course), and (ii) to what extent a set of task-oriented interactions with Elbot influences the learners’ behaviour (e.g. lexical choices) during a separate activity. For these purposes, this study outlines a lesson/experiment focused on the enhancement of conflict-solving skills in German as a foreign language. A mixed-methods approach was applied to evaluate Elbot’s contribution to the lesson as well as its impact on the learners’ choice of basic strategies to solve a conflict. The study concludes with the discussion of the advantages of developing an edu-bot based on an existing non-educational chatbot. In this regard, the research also provides some concrete proposals based on the results of the data analysis.