The Relationship of Artificial Intelligence Interaction, Concurrent / Sequential Multitasking and Speaking Performance in Iraqi EFL University Students

Abstract

Research into language learning includes interest in the influence of Artificial Intelligence Interaction (AII) and Concurrent/Sequential Multitasking (CSM) on speaking performance. AII refers to systems with intelligence similar to human intelligence, Tasks that involve multi-tasking include: reasoning, problem-solving, and natural language comprehension. Multitasking refers to the strategies used by the learner to cope with multiple list items at once, with respect to the demands placed on students by language learning as a result of other demands and distractions they experience. The goal of this study is three-fold: to determine the use of CSM and AII by Iraqi EFL university students and compare it to their speaking ability, to see if AII and CSM are related through correlation and, if so, what that correlation looks like. This study includes 200 participants who enrolled in education degrees during the 2024/2025 academic school year. Three types of tools are utilized to assess the objectives of this research project: AI Interaction Logs and Multi-Tasking Survey, and a Speaking Skills test. Following an assessment of the psychometric properties of the instruments and appropriate analyses using standard statistics, the results demonstrate that Iraqi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) College students have medium levels of AI, of Concurrent / Sequential Multitasking and of productive skills performance. Also, the results of this study demonstrate a positive relationship between Concurrent / Sequential Multitasking and AI on speaking skills performance. Conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions are then made..