Effectiveness of Kahoot! Games and AI Chatbots in Vocabulary Teaching: Comparing Two Classroom Procedures

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has been an innovative approach, transforming the language learning process, and providing rich and accessible opportunities in the new millennium. Advent and popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and solutions have revolutionized digital tools and instruments in language learning. In planning technology-supported courses, programs and procedures for language learners, it is critically important to choose the most cost-effective and impactful means and implements. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using Kahoot! smartphone games in the classroom, and AI-assisted teaching through application of AI chatbots, for vocabulary teaching. To this end, of ۳۲ advanced level learners enrolling in a general English course at a private language school in Kermanshah, Iran, ۲۶ learners were placed in two homogenous classes of ۱۳, following a general proficiency test. In one class, half an hour at the end of each session was allocated to playing specially designed Kahoot! games, while the same period of time in the other class was spent on learners’ guided use of AI chatbots for vocabulary development tasks and procedures, such as word grouping, mnemonic building, finding short definitions, synonyms, antonyms and illustrations. All other characteristics of methodology, teaching procedures, scheduling and class composition (age, education level, etc.) were held identical in organizing, planning and running the two classes. After the course completed, the learners took an extensive vocabulary test covering the presented lexical items. The test results showed that learners who played Kahoot! smartphone games outperformed their peers in the class with AI-assisted teaching. Further studies with learners in other levels, higher numbers of learners with different characteristics, and different designs and methodologies can generate better insight into, and enhance understanding of, more effective digital technologies for utilization in classroom procedures and within the teaching process.

کلیدواژه ها:

AI chatbots ، artificial intelligence in language teaching ، Kahoot! games ، mobile assisted language learning (MALL) ، vocabulary teaching