Learning a new language can be surprisingly difficult for some people, especially at an advanced age. But much of this difficulty stems from traditional language learning methods' inherent flaws and generalizations. Modern technology can help us with this: artificial intelligence can be used to personalize studying a new language, achieving much more successful results. Here, we'll discuss how this can happen and why AI is more effective than traditional methods. Don't forget that when you need a break, you can visit the Vulkan Vegas casino and have some fun!
Basic Problems of Traditional Methods
Traditional language learning methods lack opportunities to test (put into practice) what you have learned and cannot be personalized (unless it is a one-to-one course). These methods are not designed to consider the individual's specific skills and learning curve, but rather the overall average, and for the same reason, they are unlikely to be equally effective for everyone. For example, in a class of 20 students, a small number will outperform the others, the majority will stay around the average, and a few will fail miserably. This is an expected outcome and is inherent like traditional methods.
Using artificial intelligence for language learning will, first and foremost, lead to the following advantages:
- A more personalized experience. AI can plan a much more personalized studying process, taking into account the unique habits of each individual. Instead of generalizing, it can offer a program tailored to each individual's specific situation. For example, if you struggle with grammar but have no problem learning vocabulary, AI can customize the process accordingly.
- Opportunity to get instant feedback. If AI is teaching you a language, you don't have to wait for the exam period to get feedback on how well you are doing. You can even make it part of the learning process. For example, artificial intelligence will instantly correct a spelling error you made, allowing you to see where you made a mistake and get instant feedback.
- Chance to test what you have learned. The biggest problem of learning a new language is to put into practice what you have learned by speaking. If there is no native speaker around you, doing this can turn into a challenge in itself. Artificial intelligence solves this problem and allows you to have natural conversations in almost any language. You listen and talk to a native speaker: this makes learning a new language much easier.
- Gamification-based learning. This means that AI can turn studying into a kind of game, leading to much more effective results. Almost all mobile language learning apps are based on this principle. For example, there are daily tasks and special achievements that you need to complete: when you do them, you earn points and improve your “level”. Gamification can make the learning process more fun and effective.
In short, artificial intelligence overcomes almost all the disadvantages of traditional methods and brings much better results. However, this does not mean that it is a perfect alternative. Because AI-powered education will never have something that the traditional method has: interaction with a real human being (teacher).
Challenges of AI-Powered Language Learning
The main problem with this method may be that it dampens the passion for studying. It is indisputable that artificial intelligence has made language learning easier and more efficient, but we need to consider the following issues:
- Since AI can understand and speak any language, is it really necessary to learn new ones? Why spend time learning a new language when there is a technology that can translate for us in real time and even speak like a native?
- There is a risk that AI will make us overly dependent on technology. There is no real teacher in front of us, so we don't get an organic interaction. Instead, we have a virtual assistant ready to help us 24/7. In the long run, this assistant may dull our problem-solving skills.
- It is not possible to say that AI has a cultural understanding - it is a concept that only real people can comprehend. So, while the process will be more personal, it will lack slang, metaphors, and dialects. These are things that only a real teacher can provide, and they are more effective in the learning process than one might think.
An article published in April 2024 in the International Journal of Education and Humanities highlights all these risks and proposes a hybrid model as a solution: AI-assisted education accompanied by a real teacher. In this model, AI is used to assist the teacher and provide real-time feedback to students, but the teacher is still in charge of the classroom. Perhaps such a model is the most ideal option, at least for now, as it seems too ‘sci-fi’ to learn without interacting with a real human being.
