Instructional Design of an AI-Assisted Interactive Digital Module Based on Meaningful Learning for Arabic Speaking Skills in an Urban living Context

The purpose of this study was to design an instructional design framework for an AI-assisted interactive digital module for the teaching of Arabic speaking in the context of urban living using meaningful learning theory. This study aimed to solve the problem of limited opportunities for Authentic Speaking Practice (ASP), Contextual Learning Experience (CLE), and Individualized Feedback (IF) facing the first-year language learners in the Arabic Language Education study program. The study is a part of the analysis phase of a Design and Development Research (DDR) approach. Curriculum analysis, needs analysis, document analysis and literature review were employed to gather data, and determine instructional needs and propose design framework. The resulting instructional design is a systematic integration of meaningful learning theory, AI-assisted learning, authentic urban living contexts, and an interactive, digital module. The framework connects program and course learning outcomes, instructional objectives, learning activities, and assessment strategies along with the operationalization of four stages of instruction: advanced organizer, progressive differentiation, superordinate learning, and integrative adjustment. The stages are realized by means of the interactive digital learning unit, using multimedia learning resources as well as by activities supported by artificial intelligence (AI) for speaking, communicative task types which are linked to the topic and situations, and reflective learning activities. The proposed instructional design offers a pedagogically based framework for the incorporation of artificial intelligence in teaching Arabic speaking skills and for aligning with the curriculum outcomes and the meaningful learning principles. The framework provides theoretical and practical support in the development of an Arabic language learning environment based on technology.