Artificial intelligence (AI): we’ve seen, heard, and used some of it. We encounter it in our daily transactions, from online shopping to “chatbots” in banking, and movie recommendations on your streaming platforms. Is there a place for AI in our language classes as it continues to evolve? First, we need to define it more clearly and understand what it can do (and cannot do).
What is AI?
British mathematician Alan Turing conceptualized AI before it had a name. He envisioned machines capable of advancing beyond their original programming. But that was the 1950s, and the technology to prove his theories did not exist. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that aims to create computer systems capable of “intelligent” behavior. These systems perform tasks associated with human intelligence: making predictions, identifying objects, and interpreting speech. Humans input massive amounts of data to create “models.” The AI model is “trained” to use that information. Over time, the AI “learns” to adapt to new inputs and make decisions without being explicitly programmed to.
Where Does AI Fit in Language Learning?
Here’s the good news: AI has the power to democratize education. We can use our human expertise as a compass to guide AI toward finding new ways to solve problems. AI can:
- Sort and interpret data at scale
- Solve complicated problems and scenarios
- Enhance capabilities
- Automate many tasks simultaneously
- Mimic the human brain by recognizing complex patterns in data (like images, words in translation, and human speech)
Three Ways to Use AI-Powered Tools in the Language Classroom:
- Create Standards-Based Activities
AI can help teachers further differentiate their curriculum and lessons by customizing activities that meet the specific needs of multilingual learners. Educators must be careful to first align new content with the necessary English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework. - Personalization and Differentiation
Vista’s Avanza and Boost provide students with individualized, standards-aligned instruction in English and Spanish using reading and phonics. Teachers assign leveled readings, comprehension activities, and mini-lessons based on AI-supported skills assessment. Real-time data helps teachers track student progress through the levels and provide intervention as students follow their unique learning paths. - Conversation Partner
Vista’s My Conversation Trainer provides world language educators with a tool for unlimited speaking practice, progress tracking, and ready-made, customizable assignments. AI-powered scenarios include role plays, interviews, and more. Students receive personalized and instant feedback in an engaging, low-stakes environment.
Ethical Considerations
- The United States does not have federal regulations to guide AI-related use as of this writing.
- AI can reflect biased human decisions and inputs.
- AI can “hallucinate” inaccurate outputs when trained on insufficient or biased data.
There is much AI can do to support language learners. It can help us work smarter, tailor instruction more effectively, create new spaces for problem-solving, and communicate with us in specific ways. AI models are getting “smarter,” but we must learn to recognize when they hallucinate and quickly remove bias when we see it. AI does not possess human-like consciousness or feelings (sorry, science fiction fans!). For now, humans are still in charge.
By Katalyn Vidal Loveless Ed.M.
Also read:
ChatGPT and AI in the World Language Classroom: Friend or Foe?
Evolving with GenAI: Assessments in the Language Classroom
