A Pedagogical Chatbot: A Supplemental Language Learning Tool

Abstract

This innovations in practice article introduces a chatbot that was developed to support and motivate second language learners during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chatbot was designed to facilitate active, out-of-class language learning to supplement in-class input. It can adapt to learners’ abilities and pace by chatting with them, thus providing differentiated instruction. I describe the rationale for the development and implementation of the chatbot and its pedagogical implications. My aim is to motivate and assist chatbot developers and second language teachers in designing and implementing chatbots that will enhance motivation and independent learning in language students.