How we learn languages today still needs to be updated. Even now, we are seeing classrooms with one teacher lecturing to 30 pupils all taught in the exact same way. That just does not work anymore. Every student is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and learning styles. We need a modern approach that caters to each individual to go beyond word memorization. At the end of the day, as educators, we want students to actually be able to speak the language in context, rather than reel off set phrases learnt in the classroom.
AI in education is estimated1 to grow to a staggering $88.2 billion by 2032. Technology has gradually entered classrooms for some time, though slowly as the sector is notoriously reluctant to change. However, the pandemic accelerated this shift, making technology integral to learning. Analogue classrooms are now obsolete; we are in a digital-first era. As technological capabilities continue to evolve, so will our education systems.
This is not about ditching what works but instead about enhancing these elements with technology. The future of the classroom is custom education. Giving teachers the ability to offer truly personalized experiences, enabling them to tailor their lessons to meet the needs of every student and build their confidence. Here is how AI is transforming language learning experiences:
Active Participation
The traditional one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work as students either study as fast as the best pupil or as slowly as the weakest. The age of one-way lectures is long gone. We have been using the flipped classroom approach at Wall Street English for decades. Instead of delivering content in class, students complete tailored mini-cycles of self-study, preparing them for the lesson in advance so they can make the most out of it. This means that instead of being passive and just sitting and listening in class, students can practice what they’ve learnt, while teachers can give more individualized attention and feedback.
Technology has made the flipped classroom methodology even easier as we now have the means to create interactive multimedia lessons that fully engage students and immerse them in more real-world situations. Now, intelligent systems can adapt and enhance lessons by analyzing student data and responding to their evolving needs. Classrooms can connect across cultures, fostering amazing communication and open-mindedness. This means that through tech, students in Indonesia can team up with peers in Chile. Enabling them to practice their language skills with actual locals rather than relying on textbook scenarios breaks down false preconceptions and builds their confidence. This opportunity drives invaluable real-life skills that will be applicable in both personal and future career endeavors.
Speaking with Confidence
Pronunciation and accents can be one of the biggest struggles when learning a new language. That is why Wall Street English introduced a new AI tool that analyzes speech patterns. It is like having a personal pronunciation coach at all times. The feedback is received in real-time, but students can review it at their own pace in a relaxed and private setting, away from the class. There is no pressure or embarrassment of messing up in front of the class, which often is a barrier for many people. This is a huge level-up for language learning.
Reading and writing are one thing, but true mastery means being understood. We want students to speak fluently and confidently, rather than worrying about having a perfect accent. Differences in accents are natural and should be embraced. With our AI tools, students are not just memorizing vocabulary, they are developing communication skills that will open up new worlds for them.
Nobody is Left Behind
According to Quizlet’s recent State of AI in Education Report, AI helps 73% of students understand learning materials better and 67% study more efficiently. AI tools can provide instant feedback on simple performances or questions, helping quickly identify improvement areas, making the learning journey as convenient as possible. However, teachers are still important for more complex contexts and making the most of this data. Analyzing each student’s performance data allows learning materials to be adapted specifically to their needs if they are struggling with something.
So rather than moving at the designated speed of a large class, AI is a useful tool to help understand where extra work is needed. This means you are more likely to get a better grasp on the materials and bridge any missing gaps before moving on to the next topic. The lessons will reconsolidate key weak points and concepts, helping students level up with new challenges and exercises that work for them. Instead of generic lessons, you have a carefully curated learning plan.
Staying on Track
We live in a busy world where people increasingly have very little time to spare. So, maximizing efficiency is key, ensuring every minute of learning provides value and helps students reach their goals. It is not about just getting a dopamine hit by gamifying things and repeating a few words daily but about providing true progress. At Wall Street English, our students track monthly progress through an interactive interface supporting them with short and long-term goals.
Real-time insights into optimal study rates empower students to tailor their learning experiences to suit their rhythms and needs. This fosters a conducive environment for consistent attendance and accelerated progress to achieve their full potential. With real-time tracking, individuals can witness their progress as it happens and experience a genuine sense of achievement.
Agile Learning
Technology is constantly evolving. It is important to remain agile and continuously improve alongside this. This means embracing AI and adopting it correctly. We have seen initial fear around the use of AI – with schools across the globe banning tools like Chat-GPT. There are concerns among staff and parents about the risks of plagiarism and cheating, as well as the possibility that AI might provide students with outdated or incorrect information. However, the benefits of personalized learning, enhanced engagement, and augmented human performance should not be overlooked.
Addressing these concerns starts with educating educators. Less than a fifth of British educators surveyed last year reported receiving training on digital learning tools, highlighting a significant gap. Proper onboarding is essential, along with safeguarding against potential drawbacks. When deploying large language models, there are risks around prompt manipulation that could result in misleading information and inappropriate content generation. That is why investing in accurate data sets when using AI is crucial, as well as inputting filtering, conducting audits, and maintaining transparency around AI limitations.
Our programs are powered by over a million conversational activities every single month. It is an ever-evolving source of information that improves the engine’s accuracy and adaptability, ensuring up-to-date content and personalized learning for every student. Extensive, responsibly managed data sets enhance AI tools, supporting large language models (LLMs) to deliver exceptional and safe learning experiences. Therefore, those who use data properly will set themselves apart from those who just jump on the AI bandwagon.
Increased Support
AI is not here to replace,— it is here to support teachers so they can better support students. AI systems can automate the bulk of time-consuming admin tasks, like creating lesson plans, tracking student progress, and marking assignments with the useful oversight and critical thinking skills of teachers. This can considerably reduce the burdens on educators and pedagogical support staff, enabling them to concentrate on the most important aspects. Teachers instead can focus on their core strengths: inspiring and guiding students to facilitate learning. Those who can apply AI-driven insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of their students’ motivations, talents, and areas for development can better help them build up their confidence, and interpersonal skills and achieve their goals.
Rather than lecturing at large classes all day which can lead to the attention spans of students waning, teachers can use AI to better allocate their time for more quality one-on-one interactions. This enables them to nurture critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity— skills that cannot be emulated by machines. While tech can help personalize the journey, human connections are still very much central to this process.
Specialized Insight
Although many students are looking to popular chatbots for language advice, specific education and language specialists, with their decades of tailored insights, are better equipped than generalists like OpenAI and other technology companies that have an interest in education. Their expertise and specialized tools give them a significant advantage in the field. They can train their language models to better understand language intricacies and build in specific cultural sensitivities.
Flexibility
Practicing speaking new languages with AI is undoubtedly a great training ground and can provide more flexibility as you can practice anywhere, at any time. You are not restricted by time zone differences and you do not need to pre-plan.
However, it is important to note that not all the tools out there are made equal. So, beware of accuracy and do your research. While AI may be able to mimic basic conversations, it lacks the spontaneity and cultural experience of real human interaction. Ultimately, nothing replaces a conversation with a real person. So, to truly obtain fluency you still need to connect with actual people.
With over 30 years in education, having worked as a teacher in my earlier career to now being the CEO of a global EdTech company specializing in the English language, I have witnessed many changes in the way languages are taught. The past couple of years have seen some of the fastest pace of change in our industry so far. And there is more to come. AI is changing education and language learning right in front of us. Using AI tools helps us to personalize learning like never before, creating a more inclusive experience for people worldwide.
Most importantly, we are equipping students with essential skills for the modern world and empowering a generation of innovative learners. Students will not just be able to walk the walk, they will be able to talk the talk.
Link
1. https://techreport.com/statistics/ai-in-education-market-statistics-2024/
James Mc Gowan is the CEO of Wall Street English, a leading global EdTech company specializing in English language training. Taking over as the pandemic struck, under James’ guidance the company successfully transitioned over 100,000 students to virtual and then hybrid digital teaching models within 3 weeks.
Starting as a classroom teacher in Madrid in 1992 and holding a PhD in Geology, James brings a unique perspective focused on the use of new technologies like AI to enhance learning experiences, not replace human instructors. James currently oversees operations in 35 territories with over 350 centers globally.
