USING AI TOOLS TO ENHANCE VETERINARY STUDENTS’ CORE SKILLS FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST -VETERINARY SCIENCE
USING AI TOOLS TO ENHANCE VETERINARY STUDENTS’ CORE SKILLS FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST -VETERINARY SCIENCE

Summary/Abstract: Teaching English for Specific Purposes can be a daunting experience for both learners and teachers especially due to the specialized vocabulary to be mastered. Another level of challenge is added when learners have to use the specialized vocabulary in contexts that mimic real life situations, which is the case of the Occupational English Test (OET) Veterinary Science. The present study aims to present some features of AI tools that may foster students' engagement in the learning process, particularly in the area of enhancing core skills such as reading, writing and speaking. AI Chatting – ChatPDF and AI Text to Speech NaturalReader can be used to train reading skills. Moreover, AI Chatting may represent a good source for enhancing OET writing skills. The OET speaking sub-test requires veterinary students to perform in a professional role-play scenario which involves the mastery of functional language in diverse interactions with the owner or carer of the animal. Therefore, AI LingoPlay and AI Chatting Talk to AI characters may prove useful in developing verbal interaction skills. While AI tools may add considerable value to the acquisition of foreign language specific vocabulary and skills, their drawbacks should not be overlooked.

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