Journal | EL.LE
Monographic journal issue | 10 | 1 | 2021
Research Article | Chatbots for Action-Oriented Language Learning
Chatbots for Action-Oriented Language Learning
Using Elbot to Enhance Conflict-Solving Skills in Learners of German as a Foreign Language
Abstract
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.
Submitted: May 25, 2020 | Accepted: March 23, 2021 | Published March 31, 2021 | Language: en
Keywords German as a Foreign Language • Elbot • Non-educational bots • Chat-based human-computer interaction • Chatbots • Dialogue-based CALL • Conflict-solving skills • Action-oriented language education • Edu-bots • Academic language education
Copyright © 2021 Francesca Mazzilli. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/ELLE/2280-6792/2021/01/005
