Abstract
The teaching of Chinese as a foreign language can be supported by using AI technology. Traditionally, the non-native learners can only interact with the instructors and depend on them solely for speaking practices. However, with the advancement of AI technology, the learners can use AI technology for interactive speaking skill development. In this study, the learners were instructed to download an application at https://m.wandoujia.com/apps/6790950. The process on the preparation of this AI technology in supporting their speaking skill development can be accessed at https://sites.google.com/site/gohyi141/assignments/projectinteractivespeakingapp. By using this AI technology, the findings showed a tremendous affirmative responses pertaining to the use of this AI technology. Hence, AI technology should be encouraged in active utilization for the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language in particular and for all language speaking skill development in general.
Top2. Background And Literature Review
2.1 Advantage of Using the Technology Over Conventional Methods
Advances in artificial intelligence open to new possibilities and challenges for teaching and learning of language (Popenici & Kerr, 2017). The accuracy of AI is above 90% in terms of speech recognition, written text recognition, and etc. (Tang & Wei, 2019). The utilization of AI technology will hence enhance the teaching and learning of foreign language. However, there are research gaps that justify the new research needed which can inform the design, conduct, and reporting of further research in this area. Many examples of existing efforts to identify and prioritize research gaps are in living use, but research on the application for language learning are still lacking.
AI technology has been used in various aspects for the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language. These include vocabulary instruction (Yu & Xie, 2018), writing, instruction (Zhao, 2018), translation application (Xu, 2018; Yang, 2017), and etc. However, there is a need to explore further on the use of AI for Mandarin learning in which AI can be utilized as a practical educational technology tool in enriching Mandarin instruction (Chen, Sha, He & Wang, 2017).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL), or Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Instruction (ICALI): It involves the application of computing technologies to the teaching and learning of second or foreign languages.
Wandoujia: An AI technology-based application that can be downloaded for interactive conversation.
Speech Processing: It is the study of speech signals and the processing methods of signals. The signals are usually processed in a digital representation, so speech processing can be regarded as a special case of digital signal processing, applied to speech signals.
Intelligent Agent (IA): It refers to an autonomous entity which acts, directing its activity towards achieving goals (i.e., it is an agent), upon an environment using observation through sensors and consequent actuators (i.e., it is intelligent).
Speaking Skills: It is the ability to talk at any time and in any situation.
Speech Recognition: The process of enabling a computer to identify and respond to the sounds produced in human speech.
Artificial Intelligence: ( AI ) : The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Some of the applications of AI include expert systems, speech recognition and machine vision.