Designing chatbots in language classrooms: An empirical investigation from user learning experience

Amidst the technological evolution shaping the landscape of education, this research critically examines the imperative factors influencing the design of language-teaching chatbots in Thai language classrooms. Employing a comprehensive two-pronged methodology, our study delves into the intricacies of chatbot design by engaging with a diverse participant pool of pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, and educators. The study included the chatbot design opinion survey, a validated scale assessing attitudes toward chatbot design, and semi-structured interviews with teachers, educators, and experts to offer qualitative insights. Our findings reveal five key factors influencing chatbot design: learner autonomy and self-directed learning, content and interaction design for language skill development, implementation and usage considerations, alternative learning approaches and flexibility, and content presentation and format. Concurrently, thematic analysis of interviews results in five overarching themes: enhancing interactive language learning, motivational learning experience, inclusive language learning journey, blended learning companion, and communicative proficiency coaching. These findings inform the development of effective chatbots for Thai language classrooms within the evolving landscape of technology-driven education.