With the increased interest in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into language education, this mixed-method study explored the use of ChatGPT's audio functionality to enhance Japanese students' oral communication skills. Japanese university students often complain that they have little chance to practice their English skills. To address this issue, the following research question was devised: Can ChatGPT effectively serve as a conversation partner for Japanese students aiming to improve their oral communication skills? Students participated in interactive sessions with ChatGPT, where they were required to interact through the speech-to-text function of the ChatGPT smartphone app. Following this, the students were given a reflective survey to draw out students’ opinions on, and feelings about, their interactions. The results of this study indicate that while students have a generally positive attitude towards the use of Chatbots, there are concerns about privacy and ethical use.
Steven MacWhinnie (Sat,) studied this question.