Human Experiences

Leveraging AI for Language Learning Education

Barry Kehoe // August 4, 2024 // 4min read

Learning a new language is an exciting journey that can open up a world of possibilities. Imagine being able to talk with people from other countries, learn about their cultures, or even get a job that needs you to speak another language. Thanks to new technology like artificial intelligence, or AI, learning a language is now easier and more fun than ever before. AI is like having a personal tutor with you all the time, ready to help you learn. Whether you're just starting out with a new language or want to get better at one, AI can make learning easier.

One great thing about AI is that it can make lessons just for you. It learns what you need help with and creates lessons that focus on the words or rules you find tricky. This way, you spend more time studying what you need to learn and less time on things you already know. Also, AI makes learning easy no matter where you are. With AI apps, you can learn on your own schedule, at your own pace. Whether you're at home, on a bus, or waiting for a friend, your lessons are just a tap away.

Getting feedback is really important when you're learning a new language, and with with AI, you can get quick answers to help you see what you're doing wrong right away. You don't have to wait for a teacher to grade your work: Instead, the AI can give you corrections and tips in real time, helping you improve as you go. Some AI programs even track your progress, showing you how you're getting better and where you might need more practice. This makes it easy to see how much you've learned, which can keep you motivated.

AI can also help you practice conversations, which is really important when you're learning a new language. Some apps have chatbots that act like conversation partners, so you can practice speaking the language without any pressure. Practicing with a chatbot can help you feel more confident using the language. Many apps also let you set goals, like learning a certain number of words each day or studying for a certain amount of minutes per week. Reaching these goals can make you feel accomplished and excited to keep learning. Some language apps even turn learning into a game, allowing you to earn points when you reach different goals. By making learning fun, these apps encourage you to stick with it.

Another cool thing AI can do is help to create realistic worlds in virtual reality (VR) where you can practice your language skills. Imagine putting on a headset and being in a virtual cafe, market, or classroom where they speak a different language. By immersing yourself in these environments, you can practice the language in a setting that feels real. AI can also power speech-recognition technology that can tell you if you're pronouncing something correctly.

AI can even help language teachers make their classes more fun and more effective. Teachers can use AI tools to create lessons that are just right for each student's level and needs. This teamwork between AI and teachers can create a better learning experience for students and make teachers' work easier, too.