Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed many aspects of our daily lives, and language teaching is no exception. As technology advances, a growing number of AI-based tools and applications have appeared that are changing the way we learn and teach languages. Let’s look at some of them.
In this article we will explore the different tools available, the various uses of AI in language teaching and the latest developments in this fast-moving field.
ChatGPT, the king of artificial intelligence
AI has given rise to a range of innovative tools that can significantly improve the language learning experience. Virtual language assistants such as ChatGPT, for example, let students practise conversation in real time with an artificial intelligence that can respond and correct grammatical mistakes. ChatGPT has been as groundbreaking as it has been controversial, and today there is hardly anyone who does not know what it is. It is not the only virtual language assistant, but it is the best known. Its level of interaction is very high and it can produce texts, information and content of real value. That said, you do need to “learn how to use it” in order to get the most out of it. You can hold a conversation in a particular language with ChatGPT, asking it to reply to you, to keep to a given level or even to correct your vocabulary and grammar.
Duolingo and Babbel: AI applied to learning
These platforms are an ideal complement if you are taking a language course. They are very popular and easy to access, and most people have no idea they are built on AI.
Duolingo offers interactive exercises, progress tracking and assessments based on each user’s parameters and characteristics. For its part, Babbel uses AI to adapt lessons to each student’s individual needs and to offer speaking practice based on voice recognition. As a teaching method on their own they are not particularly satisfying. In other words, do not expect to learn a language properly with these apps alone. But they are a very good complement to your course.
AI for pronunciation with Rosetta Stone
If the previous ones are good complementary tools for language teaching, Rosetta Stone is a great ally if you are taking an accredited language course and want to improve your pronunciation. It is language learning software that uses AI to provide interactive exercises, pronunciation assessments and contextualised feedback. The name? A direct reference to the famous Rosetta Stone, the fragment of a monument discovered in 1799 that made it possible to unravel the mysteries of Egyptian hieroglyphic writing, since it carries the same text in that language, in demotic script and in ancient Greek.
Trends and possibilities still to be discovered
AI in language teaching continues to evolve rapidly. One emerging trend is the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to immerse students in simulated language environments. This allows them to practise real situations, such as everyday conversations or business negotiations, in a safe and controlled setting. Another development is the use of AI chatbots as virtual tutors. These chatbots can interact with students, answer questions and provide personalised guidance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. AI can also improve emotion detection and body language analysis, allowing learning to be tailored and adapted more closely to each student’s individual needs. The potential of AI is enormous and, although progress in recent years – or even months – has been incredible, there is still a great deal left to discover.
And… how do you get the most out of it?
As you can see, artificial intelligence has a wide range of applications in language teaching. Adapting content and personalising learning are crucial. AI systems can analyse student data, such as their skill level, learning preferences and error patterns, in order to offer content and exercises tailored to individual needs. This helps to maximise learning efficiency and keep students motivated. AI can also give teachers powerful tools for assessing student progress. AI-based systems can analyse students’ speech and writing, identifying grammatical errors and suggesting precise corrections. This allows teachers to focus on specific areas that need reinforcing and to provide highly effective feedback. What do you make of the artificial intelligence boom in our daily lives? At ALOS Idiomas, always at the forefront of teaching methodology and technique, we are convinced that AI is and will continue to be a fantastic complement to traditional teaching.