Mediating oral communication with ChatGPT: a sociocultural and technology acceptance perspective in ESL classrooms

This quasi-experimental mixed-methods study examined how ChatGPT-mediated rehearsal activities influence English as a second language (ESL) learners’oral proficiency and technology acceptance. Sixty-eight undergraduates were divided into artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted and teacher-led rehearsal groups over 16 weeks. Using repeated-measures analysis and thematic interviews, the results showed observable improvement in fluency and pronunciation among ChatGPT users (Hedges’ g = .72, p < .01), while accuracy gains remained modest. Technology acceptance model analysis indicated that perceived usefulness and enjoyment were key predictors of engagement, aligning with sociocultural theory’s emphasis on scaffolding and self-regulation. Qualitative data revealed iterative feedback and reduced anxiety as mediating processes. The findings highlight the potential of AI-mediated interaction to complement communicative teaching when supported by teacher scaffolding.