Browsing by Author "López Salao, Pamela Alejandra"

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    “Elsa speak app in pronunciation practice”
    (Ecuador : Pujilí : Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC), 2024-08) Cajas Chipantiza, Gabriela Estefanía; López Salao, Pamela Alejandra; Cando Guanoluisa, Fabiola Soledad
    Pronunciation is a crucial element for clear and effective communication in the English language. In this context, tools like ELSA Speak have emerged as promising alternatives for enhancing pronunciation skills. This study aimed to explore the use of ELSA Speak in pronunciation practice among first-year students at the Technical University of Cotopaxi during the April-August 2024 academic period. The research employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive design, utilizing entrance and exit tests, as well as a survey adapted from Vahdat and Rasti (2013) and validated by two university professors. The study involved 51 participants. Data from the survey were processed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results indicated that 72.5% of students achieved higher scores on their final test, though the improvement was minimal, with 48.65% showing an increase of 1-5 points. Students' perceptions of the application were generally moderate to positive, with a moderate level of boredom and stress reported. The findings reveal that students generally perceived ELSA Speak as a moderately to highly effective tool, with 37.25% rating it highly and 45.10% moderately. In conclusion, The moderate levels of boredom and stress experienced by students while using ELSA Speak suggest that these emotional responses could influence their perception of the app's functionality. Although the app offers useful features, its ability to capture and maintain students' interest may not be optimal. Addressing these emotional aspects could enhance both the app's effectiveness and user satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the use of the app with additional resources. Considering the limitations of the free version of ELSA Speak, integrating alternative practice methods or materials could help sustain students' interest and motivation, thereby maximizing the app's potential to improve pronunciation practice.