The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology on EAP Speaking: A Study of MA TESOL Students in an EMI Context

This study explores MA TESOL students’ attitudes toward using Artificial Intelligence (AI) apps for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) speaking. This study also investigates how AI apps affect students' learning of EAP speaking, especially in presentation skills. 70 students from an EMI university in China participated in this research. Research instruments included questionnaires and interviews. The findings indicate that MA TESOL students are optimistic about applying AI apps to EAP speaking. Furthermore, this study confirmed AI’s effect on students’ presentation skills, especially in boosting their confidence and reducing their fear of speaking. A comparison and analysis of some popular English-speaking apps has been made to give learners more targeted help. This study contributes to the implementation of AI apps in EAP speaking classes. Suggestions for improvements to AI apps are also discussed to serve as a reference for future research. The findings also offer pedagogical implications for applying AI to speaking teaching.