Generative AI as Writing or Speaking Partners in L2 Learning: Implications for Learning-Oriented Assessments

Abstract

The advent of generative AI (GenAI) technology has impacted second language (L2) learning and assessment, offering new opportunities for learners to practice and improve their skills. One approach gaining interest is employing GenAI tools as writing or speaking partners to provide personalized, real-time feedback and assistance to learners. These interactions allow learners to practice their writing and speaking skills while receiving assessment information on various aspects of language, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Considering the potential of GenAI tools to enrich assessment and learning experiences, it is worth examining recent research on the use of this technology for this purpose.  This paper reviews the literature on the use of GenAI as writing and speaking partners through the lens of the Learning-Oriented Assessment (LOA) framework (Purpura, 2024; Turner & Purpura, 2016) to explore how assessment data from GenAI tools could be leveraged to further learning.