How artificial intelligence is impacting traditional language learning in the classroom
Language learning has always been an educational and fascinating process, but the advent of artificial intelligence has made it even more exciting for booth those who learn and those who teach. Recently, more than one question has been raised about the impact of artificial intelligence on traditional ways of learning and teaching foreign languages. Are these changes positive or negative? The answer is simple – of course AI has influenced language learning! Here, we will try to give a professional opinion about the advantages of AI according to the foreign language teachers of Skrivanek Learning Centre, as well as what disadvantages we see at the moment.
If you are currently learning a new foreign language or improving your existing language skills, AI tools can perfectly complement this process with tailor-made solutions alongside your existing training. Skrivanek has compiled a list of the most effective tools by surveying its teachers and students who use various language learning tools and apps. For conversation practice and speaking skills, there are various AI tools and chatbots such as LangAI, Talkvise, Tutor Lily, and Language Buddy, which you can use as a virtual tutor, available at a time and place that is convenient for you – it will answer questions, can talk to you, correct mistakes and give you immediate feedback on areas for improvement. If you are new to the language, it is recommended to use apps that allow you to set your native language to understand the explanations of errors, as they tend to be quite detailed. For vocabulary learning and expansion, the DuoLingo and FunEasyLearn apps are popular among Skrivanek students and incorporate various methods and visualisations for learning vocabulary in different languages. For the self-study of English grammar, Skrivanek recommends downloading The British Council’s LearnEnglish Grammar app, which is available for all levels and contains brief explanations of grammar rules and various types of comprehension exercises to practice grammar forms. Of course, you can also check your answers and get corrections from the app. Another popular app is Grammarly, which comes in handy for those who write their own texts on a daily basis and want to check the correctness of the language, spelling and style of words, for example, when writing an email.
However, Skrivanek Baltic language teachers have noticed a disturbing nuance: students often ask us tricky questions regarding AI solutions. In particular, when AI is used independently without the guidance of an experienced tutor, it is difficult for the student to navigate the methodology and terminology of the language – if you don’t know the specific terminology of the language, it’s difficult to formulate an assignment to submit to the AI tool, and the nature of your exercises may be random, very general, and standardised. For example, if the tool is tasked with creating a grammar exercise, it will create a standard exercise on the most common verb tenses that you already know. But grammar is not just about verbs! Similarly with vocabulary, style or topics of conversation – if you don’t use the right words to “talk” to the AI, it will generate something generic. A knowledgeable and competent tutor is therefore indispensable to give advice on how to use AI when studying to learn the language effectively.
Another nuance, also noted by the BBC, is the apparent self-awareness of AI! In addition, developers always remind us that the tool may provide erroneous or inaccurate data. And yet, the facts can be presented very convincingly, as the content floats in front of your eyes. Thus, if the language learner is not at the level of an independent language user, the learner may well accept all the information provided by AI without questioning it. Again, a competent trainer is needed to help assess the reliability of the AI-generated content and recommend exercises of the appropriate level. Artificial intelligence tools integrated into existing foreign language learning systems, together with the work of professional language teachers, are the perfect combination for achieving the best results in foreign language learning.
Foreign language teachers are also seeing and appreciate the benefits of AI. Teachers are increasingly discussing how to use AI more and in better ways to generate new ideas that complement the curriculum and improve activities in the classroom.
Skrivanek Learning Centre appreciates the potential of artificial intelligence in language learning. It is, however, important that a professional evaluates and monitors the use of AI in practice because, at least for now, AI has not yet replaced human, professional judgement and decision-making skills; that being said, it is an excellent tool to help implement ideas about the diversity of content and form. The ideas and opinions expressed by AI have also been taken into account in the writing of this article, but the content has mainly been created based on the author’s observations of professional language teaching practice and the study of other professionals in discussions and publications.
By creatively and analytically using AI, Skrivanek Baltic is also able to offer its customers higher quality language training. Check out the language course schedule, choose the language course that suits you, and start learning!
Prepared by T. Pafrāte, Methodologist at Skrivanek Training Centre