The year 2023 is being defined by the mainstream adoption of AI technology across every industry and in our daily lives, from AI-generated art for social media profiles to AI-written marketing copy for global ad campaigns. Within the education sector, we have witnessed innovations and disruptions happening in real-time. Already, teachers can use software to detect whether students are using AI to write essays and complete their homework. Despite some early cases of misuse, I am optimistic about the exciting possibilities of the way we teach and learn.
This past week, I attended the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, California alongside the world’s top educators, EdTech entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and policymakers. The theme this year was “Brave New World,” which asked us all to imagine a new era where all people have equal access to education in the future. Attendees were most interested in hearing from speakers including Bill Gates and OpenAI’s Sam Altman on how ChatGPT and other AI tools will disrupt education, and what guardrails need to be put in place.
A discussion I paid most attention to was about the role and potential for AI technology in language learning. As one of the world’s leading online language learning platforms for children, LingoAce has to wonder whether AI would replace teachers and online tutoring. My take on that question is a resounding “no,” and this is not my bias talking.
The “robots” are not taking over. Human beings will continue to set the course through our creativity, cultural awareness, and interpersonal relationships. This is where being able to speak the same language as other people is key. In learning another language, children learn to understand cultures that are different from their own. Not only does this broaden their world views, but it also allows them to build personal connections, enable deep conversations, and spark new ideas. AI will play an increasingly large supporting role by taking over the repetitive work that is needed to realize these ideas. For example, AI can help identify when student engagement needs improvement; AI can also help enhance learning efficacy, such as improving pronunciation.
Another question posed was whether AI would replace language teachers. The gamification of language learning has been proven to be much more effective than old-fashioned teaching methods that rely on rote memorization, the memorization technique based on repetition. However, language learning is more than just memorizing new vocabulary and grammar rules. AI cannot replicate the curiosity, cultural exposure, and connection that human teachers spark and cultivate in their students every day. AI can, however, be effective teaching assistants by taking over repetitive work that is often burdensome to human teachers.
What I’m most excited about is how AI can accelerate language learning for children.
More real-time practice, at any time, from anywhere: The advancement in AI technology has made it possible to have context-based conversations. This allows language learners to practice what they have learned from their teachers. It will also make it easier for parents who do not speak the language themselves. Instead of planning playdates or looking for local immersive activities and events, AI will make it possible to help their kids practice in between lessons.
Accelerate content production for creating curriculum, books, and learning games: Language learners need constant stimulation in the language that they are learning. However, a common challenge is finding enough textbooks, story books, movies, and TV shows that are age- and level-appropriate for students who are learning another language. What AI can do is make it easier and faster to produce graphics and write text to create those materials.
Make adaptive learning real: The future of education is personalization. Until now, technologies were not advanced enough to truly serve every learner and cater to how they learn best. How this plays out is to be developed, but I believe AI will be key to making adaptive learning a reality at an even lower cost, making learning affordable to all.
I left ASU+GSV charged with new ideas and inspirations. Let’s make AI disrupt education so language learning and teaching can be easier and more results-driven.
