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 the Cambridge University Press and Assessment Team, 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.
AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly common in many aspects of our daily lives, helping us with tech support, hotel bookings and many other tasks. Also in language education chatbots can play a number of useful roles, both for teachers and for learners. For example, chatbots can give 24/7 assistance to learners, provide personalised instruction and feedback, and can act as conversation partners. For teachers, they can help to minimize repetitive or administrative tasks and can help with marking, to name just a few examples.
In our conversation with Nik Peachey, Pedagogical Director of Peachey Publications and Ann-Marie Murphy, of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, we discuss about what AI chatbots actually are, how they operate, and how we can use them to enhance our teaching.
After listening
Once you have listened to the podcast, the following reflective questions can act as prompts to consider the role of AI chatbots in your context.
1) What obstacles are there for using AI chatbots in your classroom? These could relate to your own skills, those of your students, or they could be practical or technical in nature. Think about how you can overcome these obstacles.
2) What do you need to know in order to use AI chatbots with your students? Now go to ChatGPT and ask it for the knowledge it thinks you need.
3) What aspects of teaching do you feel that a chatbot could never replace? Think about how you can improve your ability to deliver those aspects of your teaching.
To learn more
Below are a number of resources, where you can learn more about the topics discussed in this episode.