A Study of web-based oral activities enhanced by Automatic Speech Recognition for EFL college learning

Recently, a promising topic in computer-assisted language learning is the application of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology for assisting learners to engage in meaningful speech interactions. Simulated real-life conversation supported by the application of ASR has been suggested as helpful for speaking. In this study, a web-based conversation environment called CandleTalk, which allows learners to seemingly talk with the computer, was developed to help EFL learners receive explicit speech acts training that leads to better oral competence. CandleTalk is equipped with an ASR engine that judges whether learners provide appropriate input. Six speech acts are presented as the foci of the materials with local cultural information incorporated as the content of the dialogues to enhance student motivation. The materials were put to use on 29 English major and 20 non-English major students in order to investigate their learning outcome and perception in an EFL context. Oral proficiency assessment using the format of the Discourse Completion Test (DCT) given before and after the use of CandleTalk and an evaluation questionnaire were two instruments used for data collection. The results of the study showed that the application of ASR was helpful for the college freshmen in the teaching of speech acts, particularly for the non-English major students. Most learners perceived positively toward the instruction supported with speech recognition.