Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI

IntroductionAlthough generative artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, there is little research on how it supports self-efficacy (learners’ belief that they can perform at a particular level on a specific task). The purpose of these studies was to investigate self-efficacy development in a gene...

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Main Authors: Audrey K. Kittredge, Elise W. M. Hopman, Ben Reuveni, Danielle Dionne, Cassie Freeman, Xiangying Jiang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1499497/full
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author Audrey K. Kittredge
Elise W. M. Hopman
Ben Reuveni
Danielle Dionne
Cassie Freeman
Xiangying Jiang
author_facet Audrey K. Kittredge
Elise W. M. Hopman
Ben Reuveni
Danielle Dionne
Cassie Freeman
Xiangying Jiang
author_sort Audrey K. Kittredge
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionAlthough generative artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, there is little research on how it supports self-efficacy (learners’ belief that they can perform at a particular level on a specific task). The purpose of these studies was to investigate self-efficacy development in a generative AI-based language learning experience.MethodsIn two studies, learners (N = 385) of French/Spanish used AI-based features offering conversation practice and on-demand explanations in a mobile app (Duolingo) for 1 month. Before and after using the features, learners reported their self-efficacy and other perceptions.ResultsIn Study 1, learners who had already used the features felt significantly more prepared to use French/Spanish in real-life situations after 1 month, as did learners in Study 2 who used the features for the first time. Learners in Study 2 also felt significantly more prepared to share their opinions and navigate a city, and reported significantly higher self-efficacy for speaking and understanding grammar and mistakes. Across studies, the majority of learners agreed that the AI-based features effectively supported learning, and reported using their learning outside the app.DiscussionThese results provide the first evidence of enhanced language learning self-efficacy after use of generative AI, building on findings from classroom interventions.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2504-284X
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Education
spelling doaj-art-4bf8dc93645346e79315084da6294b0c2025-02-06T11:30:25ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-02-011010.3389/feduc.2025.14994971499497Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AIAudrey K. KittredgeElise W. M. HopmanBen ReuveniDanielle DionneCassie FreemanXiangying JiangIntroductionAlthough generative artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, there is little research on how it supports self-efficacy (learners’ belief that they can perform at a particular level on a specific task). The purpose of these studies was to investigate self-efficacy development in a generative AI-based language learning experience.MethodsIn two studies, learners (N = 385) of French/Spanish used AI-based features offering conversation practice and on-demand explanations in a mobile app (Duolingo) for 1 month. Before and after using the features, learners reported their self-efficacy and other perceptions.ResultsIn Study 1, learners who had already used the features felt significantly more prepared to use French/Spanish in real-life situations after 1 month, as did learners in Study 2 who used the features for the first time. Learners in Study 2 also felt significantly more prepared to share their opinions and navigate a city, and reported significantly higher self-efficacy for speaking and understanding grammar and mistakes. Across studies, the majority of learners agreed that the AI-based features effectively supported learning, and reported using their learning outside the app.DiscussionThese results provide the first evidence of enhanced language learning self-efficacy after use of generative AI, building on findings from classroom interventions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1499497/fulllanguage learningMobile-assisted language learning (MALL)language self-efficacygenerative AIlearning transfer
spellingShingle Audrey K. Kittredge
Elise W. M. Hopman
Ben Reuveni
Danielle Dionne
Cassie Freeman
Xiangying Jiang
Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI
Frontiers in Education
language learning
Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)
language self-efficacy
generative AI
learning transfer
title Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI
title_full Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI
title_fullStr Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI
title_full_unstemmed Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI
title_short Mobile language app learners’ self-efficacy increases after using generative AI
title_sort mobile language app learners self efficacy increases after using generative ai
topic language learning
Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)
language self-efficacy
generative AI
learning transfer
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1499497/full
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AT danielledionne mobilelanguageapplearnersselfefficacyincreasesafterusinggenerativeai
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