Impromptu: A Generative AI-Powered Tool for Improving English Speaking Abilities

English learners in Hong Kong face a unique set of challenges when it comes to developing their speaking skills. Large classes, limited access to native English speakers, and an exam-oriented curriculum all limit the amount of feedback students receive on their speaking abilities. Impromptu is a mobile application that seeks to bridge this gap, utilizing speech recognition and generative AI to provide timely, informative feedback to secondary-school English learners on their spoken responses. Impromptu's feedback will focus on grammar, vocabulary, organization, and ideas, and make recommendations to help students speak English with greater confidence.
Four prototype tests have been conducted during the development of Impromptu to examine students' need for feedback on their speaking skills and their perception of AI-generated feedback. Fifteen participants completed a pre-survey and participated in a prototype testing of the "Common Room" feature in May 2023. The participants proceeded to test the mobile application for two weeks in June 2023, followed by a post-survey and a Zoom interview session. Findings indicated an enhancement in participants’ English speaking abilities, an increased motivation to speak English, and a reduction in their associated anxiety. However, low usage rates among the participants identified a need for a comprehensive redesign of the application's features.