Language schools are teaching students to work with AI chatbots and translation apps. (source: Unsplash)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in the teaching and learning of foreign languages, helping teachers tailor materials for individual students, and the latter improve their linguistic skills.
But while many language teachers encourage students to learn to utilise chatbots and translation apps, they stress anyone learning a language should bear in mind that AI has its limits.
“Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to simplify a teacher’s preparation for lessons, and it can be a useful tool to speed up language learning. But it will not replace human interaction,” Andrea Záhumenská, director of studies at The Bridge - English language centre, told The Slovak Spectator.
“It isn’t a substitute for a teacher who is sensitive to the needs, mental attitude and preferences of their students.”
Claire Porter, senior teacher at the British Council in Bratislava, agrees. She says she and colleagues have been using such technology in the classroom for years.
“It’s just that the technology is changing, and our teachers need to change with it,” Porter told The Slovak Spectator, adding that teachers continue to play a crucial role in learning processes.
