Engagement Dynamics in AI‐Mediated Informal Digital Learning of English: Effects on L2 Speaking Performance, Anxiety, and Sequential Behaviour Patterns.

Background: In Informal digital learning of English (IDLE) environments, recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have created new opportunities for self‐directed second language (L2) speaking practise through responsive and low‐stakes interaction. However, AI‐mediated IDLE (AI‐IDL...

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Publicado en:Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 1 - 19
Autores principales: Chen, Yuting, Ma, Qing, Jong, Morris Siu‐Yung, Yang, Youlin, Cukurova, Mutlu, Li, Ming
Formato: pictorial research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Aug2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Aug2026
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        atl: Engagement Dynamics in AI‐Mediated Informal Digital Learning of English: Effects on L2 Speaking Performance, Anxiety, and Sequential Behaviour Patterns.
      aug:
        au:
          Chen, Yuting
          Ma, Qing
          Jong, Morris Siu‐Yung
          Yang, Youlin
          Cukurova, Mutlu
          Li, Ming
        affil: Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR,, China
      sug:
        subj:
          Artificial Intelligence
          Learning Methods
          English as a Second Language Education
          Language Processing
          Anxiety Psychosocial Factors
          Educational Technology
          Students, College Psychosocial Factors
          Human
          Funding Source
          Male
          Female
          Young Adult
          One-Way Analysis of Variance
          Speech Rate
          Educational Measurement
          Voice Recognition Systems
          Avatars
          Feedback
          Motivation
          Self-Directed Learning
          User-Computer Interface
          Structural Equation Modeling
          China
          Computer-Assisted Instruction
          Learning Environment
          Self Report
          Power Analysis
          Nonparametric Statistics
          Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test
          Questionnaires
          Cognition
          Emotions
          Grammar
          Kruskal-Wallis Test
          Post Hoc Analysis
          Descriptive Statistics
          Data Analysis Software
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: In Informal digital learning of English (IDLE) environments, recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have created new opportunities for self‐directed second language (L2) speaking practise through responsive and low‐stakes interaction. However, AI‐mediated IDLE (AI‐IDLE) is not experienced uniformly: learners differ in how they engage with AI, and such differences may be reflected not only in speaking performance and foreign language speaking anxiety (FLSA) but also in the sequential behaviours through which engagement is enacted. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate how different profiles of learner engagement in AI‐IDLE are associated with L2 speaking performance, FLSA, and sequential behaviour patterns during AI‐learner interaction. Methods: An AI‐IDLE environment was developed to provide scaffolded, avatar‐based speaking practise in contextualised scenarios. Sixty university L2 learners participated in this study. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted based on self‐reported engagement measures to identify distinct engagement profiles. Differences in speaking performance and FLSA were compared across profiles, and sequential behaviour analysis was employed to examine enacted engagement as reflected in AI‐learner interaction sequences. Results and Conclusion: Three engagement profiles were identified. Differences across profiles were observed in both speaking performance and FLSA. Sequential analysis further revealed that learners exhibited distinct patterns of interaction with AI, characterised by varying degrees of iteration and continuity in behaviour sequences. These findings suggest that distinct engagement profiles are associated not only with different learning outcomes but also with qualitatively different patterns of interaction with AI. Implications for Practise: The study contributes to AI‐IDLE research by integrating person‐centred and process‐oriented perspectives, highlighting the importance of examining both perceived and enacted engagement. The findings offer implications for the design of AI‐IDLE that support sustained interaction, adaptive feedback use, and reduced FLSA.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        pictorial
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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