I’m sure you’ve come across GenAl or maybe even used it to support or enhance your English teaching. But did you know that GenAI is just one of a range of different types of Al making an impact in education?
I’ve just co-authored a new research paper with Andrea Vinkler which looks at this in more detail. We explore the most widely used AI-powered tools you’re likely to come across, and how people are using them in education. We also give a few tips on choosing the best Al tools for the classroom and highlight the importance of you: the human. Here are three things we found out, which hopefully might inspire your own English teaching!
1. Exploring the different types of AI in education
Even though AI can bring fantastic benefits to English language classrooms around the world, we understand that it can also be daunting for teachers who are new to it. For example, we know it can be hard to get your head around some of the terminology, the different types of AI and how it can be used in the classroom. To help you, here are some of the most well-known types of AI and the uses that you’re likely to come across, with a quick explanation of each. There are of course more, but hopefully this list will help you crack some of the jargon! Broadly speaking, there are two types of AI in education: rule-based and data-driven.
Rule-based AI
A type of AI that generates set outputs from very specific instructions from humans. In a classroom setting, an example of a rule-based AI would be a system that provides basic feedback to learners on their responses to a multiple-choice question.
Data-driven AI
Allows systems to learn from data, often referred to as machine learning. In a classroom setting, you can use data-driven AI to figure out areas of improvement for learning based on the errors they made and recommend relevant activities.
Although strictly speaking all GenAI is data-driven, it’s becoming so important in the education space, that we thought we’d give it its own section!
Generative AI
Many English teachers are already making use of GenAI to personalise learning experiences and create learning materials and content based on individual needs, but what actually is it? GenAI is a form of artificial intelligence which uses vast quantities of information and powerful machine learning models to create original content, including text, audio, code, images, simulations, and video.
So how do people use AI to learn? A few of the most popular ways are covered in our new research paper.
AI as a writing assistant
Writing assistants are becoming an increasingly common part of people’s learning journeys. These tools, such as spelling and grammar checkers or predictive text that help users automatically complete their messages, are used daily. Two types of AI-powered tools commonly used by language learners are machine translation and automated writing elevation systems.
Machine translation
AI-enabled machine translation tools such as Google Translate or Microsoft Translator allow learners to speed up their writing by offering functionality to easily look up required phrases or words. Studies show machine translation enables students to write more fluently, and communicate more effectively with fewer lexicogrammatically errors.
Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE)
Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) tools such as Grammarly provide immediate feedback on a range of writing aspects, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax. AWE is a great tool to complement your feedback on higher-level skills. For a really great example of an AWE you can use in the classroom, see Cambridge’s Write & Improve, a free tool we’ve developed to give instant feedback on learners’ writing.
AI as a conversation partner
Sufficient practice in speaking is often difficult to achieve in a classroom setting under time constraints, so AI-based tools can be useful to develop interaction as they provide possibilities for output, allowing learners to receive input and feedback. Intelligent personal assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant are a great way for learners to engage in real-time authentic communication, and to improve speaking and listening skills.
These are just some of the types and uses of AI for the English classroom – check out our paper for more.
2. Choosing the best tools for the classroom
Once you’ve got a feel for the different types of AI, you can now start to think about the best tools for your classroom. Selecting the best AI tools can be overwhelming for anyone, not only for you. One way to select the right tool could be a collaborative decision between you and the student. Another way is using a digital learning checklist. We have developed a full checklist in our research paper based on the Cambridge English Digital Framework for Language Teachers. Along with looking at our checklist, here are a few questions and tips for choosing the right AI tool for your classroom:
- Work with your learners to identify specific learning goals and objectives.
- Find out from your learners whether they are focussing on a specific aspect of language learning or an overview. For example, are they preparing for a language proficiency test? Are they planning to study or work in a foreign country? Or are they simply interested in learning a new language for personal enrichment?
- Depending on the learner’s goals, certain features of AI tools may be more relevant. These could include machine translation, speech recognition, and interactive assistance.
- Some lower-level learners might benefit more from scaffolded AI-based tools designed for language learning, such as personalized dashboards. Higher-level learners might benefit more from GenAI tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants.
- Regarding data safety and security, it’s important to understand what the company does with the learner’s data and how safe the tool is.
- The environmental implications of using a certain tool should be considered. For example, is there any information available on the carbon footprint of the tool the learner is about to use? And are there ways to minimize its impact?
- The tool should be accessible, enjoyable, and fun for a better user experience.
- You should evaluate the cost of the tool and the value it provides. This could involve considering free trials for your learners and assessing whether the general costs are worth the features of the tool.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of you
The integration of AI into English language learning is really starting to have an impact on the classroom. AI offers numerous advantages for you and for the students, such as rapid scoring, flexibility, instant feedback and personalised learning experiences. But as we pointed out in our research, AI must be used cautiously and responsibly. This means always keeping you, the human, in the driving seat and creating a collaborative environment between teachers and AI in the classroom. Or to put it another way, AI should complement – not replace – human expertise.
For more information, read the full paper: The Role of AI in Language Learning: Research Evidence and Strategies for Success
Want more advice on using AI in the English classroom? We’ve got a list of blogs you’ll find interesting!