COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION VS AI AND DIGITAL TOOLS- INTEGRATED LEARNING ON EMAIL WRITING AND SPEAKING SKILLS AMONG DIPLOMA-LEVEL LEARNERS
Sabareedharan M 1*, Bala Muthu Marieswari P
Keywords: AI in ELT, Diploma-Level Learners, Grammarly, Mizou, ChatGPT, Language Pedagogy, Digital Tools in Education, Task-Based Learning, Speaking Proficiency, Writing Skills.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly transforming the landscape of language education by offering personalized feedback, real-time interaction, and adaptive learning experiences. Their integration into English Language Teaching (ELT) has gained momentum globally, especially in the wake of digital transformation and the need for scalable, learner-centered instruction. This study explores the comparative effectiveness of traditional English language instruction versus AI and digital tools-integrated teaching in enhancing writing and speaking skills among diploma-level learners in India. Utilizing a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, two groups of 30 students each were exposed to different instructional strategies over a four-week period. Group A received conventional classroom instruction, while Group B engaged with tools such as Grammarly, ChatGPT, and Mizou within a Task-Based Language Learning (TBLL) framework. The findings indicate that Group B significantly outperformed Group A in both email writing and IELTS-style speaking tasks. The integration of AI tools provided real-time feedback, personalized scaffolding, and interactive language experiences, resulting in greater learner autonomy and improved performance. These results support the pedagogical value of AI-augmented instruction in second language learning environments, particularly for developing productive language skills.