Harnessing Otter.ai to Enhance English Learners’ Speaking Proficiency and Autonomy through AI-Driven Self-Reflection

This presentation explores how Otter.ai, an AI-powered transcription tool originally designed for meetings, can be repurposed as an innovative platform for developing English Learners’ (ELs) speaking proficiency and self-awareness. By recording and transcribing their spoken output, learners receive immediate visual feedback on pronunciation, pacing, intonation, and filler usage. This process transforms speaking practice into a reflective and data-driven experience, allowing students to identify patterns, monitor progress, and engage in repeated self-correction—key principles of autonomous learning. Drawing on classroom implementation examples, the study highlights how Otter.ai supports pronunciation clarity, fluency, and confidence while promoting learner agency. The session concludes with practical recommendations for integrating AI transcription tools into ESL curricula to enhance oral communication skills through personalized, technology-mediated reflection.

Keywords: otter.ai, AI in language learning, English learners, speaking skills, learner autonomy, reflective practice, pronunciation, fluency development