Teachers Talk Tech #1: Can we trust AI?

Hayo Reinders
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Teachers Talk Tech is a podcast series about the role of technology in language learning and teaching. In conversations with leading experts from around the world, along with members of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, we discuss the latest developments in the field and offer suggestions for teachers on how best to use technology to support learning inside and outside the classroom. 

Can we trust AI? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of computers to perform tasks that mimic–and may go beyond–the capabilities of human intelligence. Areas such as speech recognition and machine translation have used AI for some time. Relatively new is generative AI, which can produce new output (texts, images, video) based on found patterns in a large dataset. ChatGPT, a generative AI tool, can be given a brief prompt and almost instantly generate texts that are remarkably human-like. 

In our conversation, we discuss what AI and tools such as ChatGPT might mean for language learning. For learners, the text-generating capabilities of generative AI could function as a conversation partner or even a tutor. For teachers, AI could be used to help develop lesson plans or to generate practice exercises. While AI systems may offer exciting learning opportunities, caution is advised in their use, as they raise both ethical and practical issues, as discussed here. 

After listening 

Once you have listened to the podcast, the following reflective questions can act as prompts to consider the role of artificial intelligence in your context. 

  1. Artificial intelligence, based not on reasoning but on finding patterns, is very different from human intelligence. What does that mean for the trust users should place in AI systems and their output? 
  1. How could AI systems like ChatGPT improve learners’ writing?  
  1. What role should teachers play in the use of AI systems by their students?  

To learn more

Below are a number of resources, where you can learn more about the topics discussed in this episode.

  1. Keeping Artificial Intelligence Human: Combining the Power of AI with the Experience of Examiners
  2. Enhancing learners’ critical thinking skills with AI-assisted technology
  3. ChatGPT can be powerful tool for language learning
  4. Two Decades of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Contributors, Collaborations, Research Topics, Challenges, and Future Directions
  5. Partnering with AI: Intelligent writing assistance and instructed language learning
  6. Big data and language learning: Opportunities and challenges
  7. Why I’m not scared of ChatGPT
  8. Learn A Language with ChatGPT: Get to Know the Power of this Game Changing AI
  9. Linguaskill: Building a validity argument for the Speaking test
  10. Assessing L2 English speaking using automated scoring technology: examining automarker reliability
  11. Developing an automated writing placement system for ESL learners
  12. What Is ChatGPT Doing … and Why Does It Work?