From 24th to 26th November, 2023, the University of Foreign Languages, Da Nang University, successfully launched the 20th AsiaCALL International Conference, with the participation of speakers and participants from 17 countries.

Organized in collaboration between the University of Foreign Languages, Da Nang University, AsiaCALL (Asia Computer-Assisted Language Learning) Association, and the National Foreign Language Project, the conference focused on the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Critical Digital Literacies in Language Learning", providing an opportunity for scholars, researchers, and language teachers to exchange knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen global cooperation in the field of language education.

In essence, the 20th AsiaCALL Conference in 2023 received 179 papers from 295 authors representing 17 countries. Among them, 108 papers were selected for presentation during the plenary and featured sessions. The conference also featured six keynote speakers who are renowned experts in the field from prestigious universities both domestically and internationally, including Professor Andrew P. Lian from the University of Canberra (Australia) and the Chair of AsiaCALL, Professor Hayo Reinders from the University of Anaheim (USA), Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dung from Van Lang University (Vietnam), Associate Professor Dr. Sandro Barros from the University of Michigan (USA), Dr. Ania Lian from Charles Darwin University (Australia), and Professor Robert Godwin-Jones from Virginia Commonwealth University (USA).

Participating in this conference, Ms. Pham Thi Thu, Ms. Le Thi Thien Phuoc, Ms. Dang Hoang Mai, and Ms. Nguyen Lam Anh Duong from the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) presented their paper titled "Exploring Student Engagement in Vocabulary Learning Through the Use of an AI Tool", and received a high level of attention from the remaining participants. IUH will be the host for the 21st AsiaCALL Conference in 2024.

Abstract

The utilization of AI tools in language teaching is increasingly popular worldwide. Existing literature suggests that educators have integrated AI tools into their teaching methodologies to enhance student learning. Among the tools, POE is currently being used by several Vietnamese ESL teachers. Nonetheless, students’ engagement in and their perception of the  effectiveness of the tool remain unexplored. Hence, this research was carried out with the aim to assess student engagement in utilizing this AI chatbot for students’ vocabulary learning and their perceived usefulness and benefits. With a mixed-method approach, the study was conducted at a public university in Vietnam with a sample of 31 English-majored students. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed with the use of repeated-measures ANOVA (RMA), while the qualitative data were analyzed following thematic analysis guidelines. The findings revealed that most of the participants found the tool useful, and they were actively engaged in learning vocabulary using this tool. The research outcomes propose valuable insights for university EFL teachers regarding the integration of AI tools like POE into curricula to optimize students’ learning experiences with innovative language instruction.