Current Insights on Using Social Robots to Support Second Language (L2) International Students in Higher Education
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| Title: | Current Insights on Using Social Robots to Support Second Language (L2) International Students in Higher Education |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Eunjae Park, Michelle M. Neumann |
| Source: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 2024 16(4):65-72. |
| Availability: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jcihe/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Robotics, Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Teaching Methods, Technology Uses in Education, Artificial Intelligence, Foreign Students, English (Second Language), Academic Achievement, Learning Motivation, College Students, Man Machine Systems |
| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
| Abstract: | New digital technologies such as social robots are embodied computers with human-like features and conversational capabilities that can socially interact with people. Social robots have been used in education as a learning tool to support second language learning. This essay discusses current research literature that has explored how social robots could be utilized to support second language (L2) international students studying at English-speaking universities. Insights into the potential application and limitations of using social robots to support L2 students outside their home countries to promote their social and academic well-being will also be discussed. Based on a synthesis of current and relevant research gathered from the literature, the affordances of using social robots for L2 students included learning L2 through human-robot interactions, enhanced motivation, and engagement in their learning environments. However, the limitations of the use of this technology included attitudes towards robot-assisted learning (e.g., unfamiliarity with learning with a social robot) and the novelty effect of social robots. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of not only the role of social robots for supporting language learning, but also how they could aid L2 students in their successful transition to a foreign university, culture, and social context. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1441392 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | New digital technologies such as social robots are embodied computers with human-like features and conversational capabilities that can socially interact with people. Social robots have been used in education as a learning tool to support second language learning. This essay discusses current research literature that has explored how social robots could be utilized to support second language (L2) international students studying at English-speaking universities. Insights into the potential application and limitations of using social robots to support L2 students outside their home countries to promote their social and academic well-being will also be discussed. Based on a synthesis of current and relevant research gathered from the literature, the affordances of using social robots for L2 students included learning L2 through human-robot interactions, enhanced motivation, and engagement in their learning environments. However, the limitations of the use of this technology included attitudes towards robot-assisted learning (e.g., unfamiliarity with learning with a social robot) and the novelty effect of social robots. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of not only the role of social robots for supporting language learning, but also how they could aid L2 students in their successful transition to a foreign university, culture, and social context. |
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| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
