2023
Plenary Speech
Gary Ockey
Insights into the potential of Spoken Dialogue Systems for delivering L2 oral communication assessments
In this presentation, I will describe a study that provides insights into the potential for a Spoken Dialogue System (SDS) to deliver an assessment appropriate for assessing second language oral ability. I will begin with an explanation of the principles underlying a homemade SDS. Then, I will discuss research which includes test takers’ views on taking an assessment with an SDS; four trained judges’ ratings for interactional competence, fluency, pronunciation, and grammar/vocabulary across a human partner and SDS condition; and four different trained judges’ ratings of 12 features of interactional competence across these two conditions.
Gary J. Ockey is a professor of applied linguistics and technology at Iowa State University. He investigates second language assessments, with a focus on the use of technology and quantitative methods to facilitate measurement of oral communication. He has published widely on the topic of second language assessment and served as the co-editor of Language Assessment Quarterly.