Synthesis research on the application of chatbots (artificial intelligence software) in English language education

The integration of chatbots in education has garnered attention, particularly in enhancing English language learning. Innovations like ChatGPT, a large language model, can perform various natural language processing tasks that support educational outcomes. This study investigates the role of chatbots in English language education through a qualitative synthesis of existing literature.

We analyzed content from 15 selected articles from reputable global databases using a qualitative research design. The analysis followed the methodology proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso (2007), ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic. To evaluate the reliability of our findings, we applied Cohen's Kappa coefficient, resulting in a robust value of 0.88.

The synthesis revealed that chatbots are not just tools but practical and effective tools for learning English as a foreign language. Our analysis highlights learners' experiences with chatbot-assisted language acquisition, identifying factors that influence outcomes and the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. Despite specific challenges, the results overwhelmingly indicate positive educational impacts, instilling optimism about the potential of chatbots in language education.

As the educational landscape evolves, teacher training programs should incorporate artificial intelligence and innovative methodologies to foster digital literacy. The findings empower educators to guide learners in utilizing chatbots throughout various stages of second language acquisition, enhancing their educational experiences.