STUDENTS' RESPONSES ON ELEVENLABS AI FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING LEARNING

Abstract

This research investigates students' responses to the use of ElevenLabs AI for learning English at Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School. The integration of modern technology in education has become increasingly crucial, especially in environments where traditional methods may not fully meet the demands of contemporary learning. Islamic boarding schools, like Amanatul Ummah, focus on a dual curriculum that merges religious and academic education. As English has emerged as a vital skill for global communication, there is a pressing need to adopt innovative teaching tools to enhance students’ proficiency in the language. The primary aim of this research is to explore how students perceive and respond to the application of AI technology, particularly ElevenLabs AI, in improving their speaking abilities in English. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, which allows for an in-depth understanding of the student’s experiences and opinions. Data were collected through a combination of observation and documentation, focusing on students’ interactions with the AI tool during their English-speaking lessons. The participants in this research included a diverse group of students from the boarding school, who engaged with ElevenLabs AI in a structured learning environment. During the lessons, students utilized the AI tool to practice speaking, receive instant feedback, and enhance their language skills. The findings reveal that students generally responded positively to the integration of AI in their learning process. Many participants reported that the tool significantly improved their pronunciation, fluency, and overall engagement during lessons. The interactive nature of the AI technology fostered a more dynamic and enjoyable learning atmosphere, allowing students to practice their speaking skills without the fear of judgment often experienced in traditional classroom settings. However, despite the positive outcomes, some challenges were identified. Issues related to accessibility, such as the availability of necessary devices and internet connectivity, were noted as barriers to fully realizing the potential of the technology. Additionally, some students expressed a need for more familiarity with the AI tool, suggesting that initial training or orientation could enhance their experience and effectiveness in using the technology. Overall, this research highlights the promising role of ElevenLabs AI in English language education at Islamic boarding schools and underscores the importance of addressing the challenges faced by students to optimize their learning experiences.