ConversAR: Exploring Embodied LLM-Powered Group Conversations in Augmented Reality for Second Language Learners

Jad Bendarkawi, Ashley Ponce, Sean Chidozie Mata, Aminah Aliu, Yuhan Liu, Lei Zhang, Amna Liaqat, Varun Nagaraj Rao, Andrés Monroy-Hernández

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Group conversations are valuable for second language (L2) learners as they provide opportunities to practice listening and speaking, exercise complex turn-taking skills, and experience group social dynamics in a target language. However, most existing Augmented Reality (AR)-based conversational learning tools focus on dyadic interactions rather than group dialogues. Although research has shown that AR can help reduce speaking anxiety and create a comfortable space for practicing speaking skills in dyadic scenarios, especially with Large Language Model (LLM)-based conversational agents, the potential for group language practice using these technologies remains largely unexplored. We introduce ConversAR, a gpt-4o powered AR application, that enables L2 learners to practice contextualized group conversations. Our system features two embodied LLM agents with vision-based scene understanding and live captions. In a system evaluation with 10 participants, users reported reduced speaking anxiety and increased learner autonomy compared to perceptions of in-person practice methods with other learners.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCHI EA 2025 - Extended Abstracts of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic)9798400713958
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 26 2025
Event2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI EA 2025 - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: Apr 26 2025May 1 2025

Publication series

NameConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings

Conference

Conference2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI EA 2025
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period4/26/255/1/25

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Software

Keywords

  • Augmented Reality (AR)
  • Embodied Agents
  • Language Learning
  • Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Second Language Acquisition

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