Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved over the 21st century, it has an unprecedented impact on work efficiency and business activities across all industries. While artificial intelligence is being positively embraced by sectors such as healthcare, education, industries, and marketing service providers, its application provides both opportunities and challenges. As any other area of human lives, current state of foreign language education has been greatly influenced by the latest developments in the modern information communication technologies such as AI technology, especially in a new normal era enforced by the COVID-19.

The paper focuses specifically on the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), which includes a wide range of technologies and methods, such as machine learning, adaptive learning, natural language processing, data mining, crowdsourcing, neural networks or an algorithm, into foreign language learning and teaching. First, the paper overviews the changes brought to foreign language teaching and learning through the application of AI-powered tools and discusses NLP based foreign language learning programs in contrast with previous ICALL or ITS programs. Second, it identifies four main types of AI powered programs which learners can use for their foreign language learning in and out of a classroom. These consist of generic web programs, chatbot tutors, AI speakers, and robots developed for language learning. Furthermore, it examines not only how these four types of foreign language learning programs are different, but also how they can be compared with one another in terms of language learning efficiency. Third, it discusses the shift of the role of foreign language practitioners from content providers to facilitators. To this end, the author argues for a dire need for a teacher training program through which foreign language practitioners can be prepared for applying AI based programs to their classroom teaching. Finally, the author addresses the promises of foreign language learning derived from using AI based programs as well as AI’s accountability and plagiarism issue.

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Abstract Summary
The paper focuses on the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into foreign language learning and teaching in a new normal era enforced by the COVID-19.  First, it overviews the changes brought  to foreign  language  teaching  and learning by AI powered tools  and discusses AI language  learning programs. Second, it identifies various types of AI powered  programs  which language learners can use for their foreign language learning in and out  of a classroom and explains how  language teachers can use. Third, it discusses the shift of the role of foreign language practitioners from content providers to facilitators. Fourth, it calls for establishing  a teacher  training program  through which  foreign  language  practitioners  can be prepared for applying  AI based programs  to their classroom teaching. Finally, the author  addresses the promises of foreign language learning derived from using AI based programs as well as AI’s accountability and plagiarism issue.

Authors:
Inseok Kim, Dongduk Women's University, South Korea

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Inseok Kim is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Dongduk Women's University in South Korea

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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