A Study on Adopting AI-Based Chatbot in Elementary English-Speaking Classes

The present study examined the potential of AI-based chatbot for elementary-level students’ English learning. To this end, the authors developed an AI-based chatbot named “Ellie” based on Dialogflow, which is powered by machine learning and natural language processing technology of Google. The participants were 177 5th and 6th grade elementary-level students in Seoul and Gwangju, South Korea. In groups, the participants were asked to perform two types of conversation tasks with Ellie. The participants were also given a survey, and a subset of the participants was interviewed in groups. The results showed that the participants managed to make successful conversation with Ellie to some extent by employing several types of conversation strategies. However, the participants experienced some difficulties due to various factors on the voice recognition of the chatbot and its lengthy utterances. Finally, the majority of the participants responded positively to the survey regarding the value of Ellie as a conversation partner for English speaking practice as well as those related to performing the assigned tasks with Ellie in group format.