Learning Pronunciation through Technology: A Study of the Use of CAKE Application in the EBC11367 English Pronunciation for Communication Class

Abstract

This article aims to study the use of the CAKE application in the EBC11367 English Pronunciation for Communication course, involving 90 students from the English for Business Communication, School of Liberal Arts, Sripatum University, Khon Kaen Campus. The application was used as a pronunciation practice tool with real-time AI-based assessment. Students engaged with four lessons under the topic “Common English Phrases for Daily Conversations” over the period of one month. A total of 73 students completed all four lessons. Feedback from the students indicated that the lessons were engaging and diverse and had clear visuals and context. They enjoyed practicing speaking and felt that the application helped improve their pronunciation. Many expressed willingness to continue using the app if more free lessons were available but would likely not continue if a fee were required, as there are other app alternatives. From the instructor’s perspective, using the CAKE application in this course encouraged students to practice independently outside  the classroom with a variety of content, improve their listening skills with native speakers’ accents, engage in repeated pronunciation practice, and receive real-time feedback with standardized assessment. Therefore, the CAKE application can serve as a supplementary tool for beginner-level students to practice pronunciation outside the classroom. By using the application systematically, it can effectively enhance accurate and efficient pronunciation learning.