Rania Muhammad Qassrawi
Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine
Aya ElMashharawi
University College of Applied Sciences, Gaza, Palestine
Mahmoud Itmeizeh
Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine
Mohammed H. M. Tamimi
Palestine Polytechnic University, Hebron, Palestine
As Artificial Intelligence systems increasingly dominate various sectors in this technology-driven era, educational institutions are eager to integrate innovative tools and applications into the teaching and learning experience to enhance students' abilities, performance, skills and achievements. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of utilizing Google Assistant, an AI-based app, in improving students’ English speaking performance. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitatively, a pre-post speaking test was conducted with participating students before and after the intervention (using the Google Assistant app). Following the experiment, qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with some of the participants. The findings revealed significant improvements in students’ overall speaking performance and sub-skills. The use of the Google Assistant application notably enhanced EFL students’ fluency and interaction, followed by pronunciation, vocabulary, content and relevance, and spoken grammar, respectively. Additionally, based on the participants' discussions, several benefits of using this AI-based application were identified, including providing language practice and resources, engaging and motivating learners, and immersing students in a self-directed learning experience. However, some challenges were also inducted, particularly regarding accessibility, connectivity and technical issues. Consequently, several conclusions and recommendations were drawn based on these findings.
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Copyright © 2024 Rania Muhammad Qassrawi, Aya ElMashharawi, Mahmoud Itmeizeh, Mohammed H. M. Tamimi
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
