Abstract:

Educators across different fields have been continuously exploring innovation as a means to maintain learner engagement and improve the overall learning experience. Similarly, language instructors have been working diligently to incorporate cutting-edge technologies to achieve the same goal of enhancing student learning. This action research aims to develop a mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence to facilitate interpretation training from English to Chinese. Deci and Ryan’s Self-determined theory (1985) was applied to understand students’ motivation. 76 college students participated in the study. Regression results indicate that autonomy and relatedness have significant impacts on students’ intrinsic motivation, positive affect, and concentration whereas competency does not have an impact. Students enjoyed learning on the platform and valued such a learning experience. The study implies that when they have a higher level of autonomy, they are more focused and motivated in learning.

Keywords:

Mobile app, self-determined theory, motivation.