Learning Thai through Digital Technology and Voice-Activated Artificial Intelligence: A case study of Chinese students at Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) Study the problems of teaching Thai to Chinese students at Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University.      2) Compare Thai listening and speaking skills through digital technology and voice-controlled artificial intelligence systems before and after studying. 3) Study the satisfaction of learning Thai through digital technology and voice-controlled artificial intelligence systems. The target group was 47 teachers who taught Thai to Chinese students and Chinese students. The research method was a mixed-method approach. The research instruments were questionnaires, tests, and satisfaction assessment forms. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, including mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The findings are as follows: 1) the overall problem of teaching Thai to Chinese students is high, with a mean of 3.74 and a standard deviation of 0.52. When considering each aspect, it was found that the problem with the highest mean was that the teacher could not communicate in Chinese. In terms of students, it was found that Chinese students still lacked knowledge and understanding of Thai consonants, vowels, and tones. In terms of teaching, it was found that Thai teaching activities did not emphasize listening and speaking skills. In terms of teaching media, it was found that teaching media were not up-to-date and did not correspond to students' learning in the 21st century. 2) The results of the comparison of Thai listening and speaking skills found that after studying, it was higher than before studying, with a statistical significance level of .05. 3) The results of the satisfaction study found that overall; it was at a high level, with a mean of 4.19 and a standard deviation of 0.78.