Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Revolutionized Way of Learning Languages
Let’s look at some common language-studying problems that AI can help with and how it can effectively improve learning outcomes.
In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the application of artificial intelligence in a variety of sectors. Following the shift, AI is quickly becoming the norm in education as well.
Artificial intelligence has recently gained traction in the field of online language learning. Used in various apps and educational platforms by students and tutors alike, many new opportunities arise.
But what are the benefits of using AI in language learning? Let’s look at some common language-studying problems that AI can help with and how it can effectively improve learning outcomes.
Common challenges in language learning
To master a language, students must develop proficiency in 4 essential skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, when attempting to study a language, whether with a tutor or on their own, learners frequently face common challenges that impede their progress and engagement.
Lack of personalization 🧑🏽💻
A common issue in online language learning is a lack of personalized instruction. Traditional methods may not address individual learning styles, preferences, or proficiency levels, making it difficult for students to progress effectively.
Absence of verbal communication 🗣️
Another challenge is a lack of opportunities for verbal communication. Learners who do not engage in interactive speaking practice may struggle to improve their pronunciation, fluency, and conversational skills in the target language. Verbal communication with real people is crucial to learning to speak a language. Without it, or without matching people with whom you feel comfortable, it can only create an illusion that you’re mastering a language.
Repetitive exercises and practices 🔁
Many online language learning platforms provide repetitive exercises and practices, which can quickly become tedious and demotivating for students. Engaging and interactive activities maintain learner interest and retention.
Limited progress tracking 📈
Without efficient progress-tracking mechanisms, learners may struggle to monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement. Clear feedback and progress monitoring are critical for accurately setting goals and assessing language proficiency.
How AI is transforming language learning
Before we get into how artificial intelligence can help with these challenges, let’s take a look at how it can be used to transform language mastery.
New developments in AI technology have the potential to be a game changer for language learning. To mention a few:
Personalized material
When studying with a tutor, you are not limited to traditional textbooks that do not adapt to the learner’s pace. A personalized textbook can be customized to meet the needs of the student. Tutors can create textbooks by uploading their material to an AI system, which can then generate different textbooks for different purposes. AI systems can also be used to generate exercises based on the material provided.
Speech bots
Even though language bots cannot match the knowledge of a native speaker, they are extremely useful. Since it is not always easy to find a native speaker to speak with, personalized chatbots can be used to practice conversational skills and receive feedback. And all without the anxiety of speaking with a human!
Gamified learning experiences
Gamification is a great addition to modern language learning processes. In short, by incorporating interactive activities, reward systems, and fun challenges, the language learning process becomes increasingly enjoyable. So, the motivation is much bigger when you can practice while also having fun!
Evolved algorithms
Using machine learning (ML), all AI-powered systems are bound to improve their performance constantly. This way, not only does AI provide benefits, but it is also never static.
Language learning algorithms aid in the development of data-driven decision-making. For example, Natural Language Processing (NLP) aids in the comprehension of human language, whereas Collocation Extraction aids in information retrieval and language generation challenges.
While you don’t need to know much about the technology behind these algorithms, let’s see how they can help with language learning.
The benefits of AI in language learning
Artificial intelligence, when strategically applied to language studying, becomes an impactful combination. Implementing AI in language learning programs can yield significant results if done thoughtfully. Expert human input is crucial for the development and execution of the most effective strategies.
More and more language learning platforms and applications incorporate AI technology into their algorithms to enhance the studying experience and help users achieve results faster. However, we can meet two extremes: some apps use artificial intelligence only without any interaction with a human tutor, and others don’t use AI at all. That’s why we mentioned that implementing artificial intelligence should be done strategically and wisely.
LiveXP implements AI into the English learning process
Just as online education once marked a transformative shift in how languages are studied, the evolution of AI technology signifies a new pivotal change. LiveXP Language Learning Platform couldn’t stay away in this AI era. Recently, LiveXP launched a new way of learning English on the platform—Personalized Path. It is an AI-powered functionality that provides the most efficient and personalized learning.
The creation of the Personalized Path is based on solving the most common problems students face, which we have mentioned above. Let’s see what a Personalized Path is and how it helps study English with the least effort and the most efficiency.
Personalized learning experience 🧑🏽💻
The LiveXP’s Personalized Path can make language learning a lot more fun and effective. Taking into account learning styles, pace, and interests, it always puts the student first.
A student receives a customized learning plan that meets their specific goals. The system also takes into account interests and vocabulary to generate the most interesting content to practice with.
Practice with real people who match you 👥
Speaking a language requires engaging in verbal communication with actual individuals. But when you practice with a tutor who doesn’t match you and doesn’t share your interests and values, the task becomes more difficult. On LiveXP, it is possible to find a perfect-match English tutor who shares your interests and values. The system will suggest such tutors to you after the onboarding steps.
Interaction with real tutors helps students improve their pronunciation, fluency, and conversational skills in English, providing valuable opportunities for verbal communication that may not be available in traditional online language learning settings such as group lessons or online courses.
Engaging and interactive activities: no more boring tasks ❌
As we discussed, gamification practices can help transform mundane and repetitive exercises into engaging tasks that can raise students’ interest and keep them motivated.
AI-powered Personalized Path provides interactive practice sessions for every Unit on your mobile phone 📱. These self-study exercises become available after a private lesson. They aim to improve grammar, reading, and listening skills. The content a learner can work with is based on their current level and interests to make the exercise more engaging.
A Personalized Path provides a more stimulating and enjoyable learning experience, minimizing boredom and demotivation that are common with traditional language learning methods.
Progress tracking and feedback 📈
AI-powered Personalized Path on LiveXP enables students to set goals, track their progress, and measure their language proficiency more effectively. A tutor and a system also evaluate a learner’s progress as they have regular language tests. So, a student always knows where they’re in their language journey.
How does the Personalized Path work?
The Personalized Path is a tailored strategy based on a student’s current English skills level, designed to guide them towards advancing to the next CEFR proficiency level. So, basically, a student has an onboarding first, filling in the information about their current level, desired goals, interests, and desired pace of studying. Then, LiveXP’s system creates a personalized learning plan based on the onboarding information. The plan consists of two main parts:
- 1-on-1 lessons with a tutor where you master grammar and vocabulary on a specific topic.
- Self-study exercises appear after lessons to reinforce what was learned and practice skills.
After a certain period of time, if you pass all planned lessons and exercises, you should have an English language test to see the results.
Personalized Path is a complete English learning solution that allows you to master English with less effort and more efficiency.
In conclusion
All in all, AI should neither be demonized nor deified. While not inherently good or bad by itself, it can be tricky to use it in the educational sector and achieve the results we want. Still, all these algorithms and services can greatly aid students by offering personalized content, feedback, and material tailored to each individual’s needs. AI can also help teachers streamline their work and focus more on what their job really is—educating and helping students reach their potential.