Voice Typing to Enhance English Intermediate Level Learners’ Speaking Proficiency: A Case Study

Abstract

This mixed-methods case study explores the effectiveness of Google Docs’ voice typing feature in enhancing the English oral skills of nine university students at the intermediate level. These university students were selected to utilize voice typing for their end-of-term oral presentations, engaging in two practice sessions each week for six weeks period. Training was provided to ensure proficiency in the use of voice typing. To gauge progress, a qualitative analysis of the data was performed, focusing on any advancements in speaking capabilities, with the students’ final speaking project scores serving as the primary metric for evaluation. Evaluation of the final speaking project was conducted by two teachers, and to validate the assessment process, inter-rater reliability tests were implemented. In addition to the quantitative assessment, qualitative data were gathered through interviews, wherein students conveyed their initial challenges with the voice typing feature, particularly concerning speech recognition inaccuracies. Despite these initial hurdles, participants reported a smoother experience as they became more accustomed to the tool. The study underscores the educational benefits of voice typing and advocates for continued investigation into this promising field, particularly given the rise of Artificial Intelligence technologies adept at accommodating diverse accents and proficiency levels.