The BBC recently published an article with the title "Students switch to AI to learn languages" (see summary below) and that made me curious to find out if there
are any apps that I could recommend to my own students.
I downloaded as many AI apps as I could find and rated them. The full overview including prices, pro/con, description and rating can be found on this Notion site. You can either use the list view and click on the app names to get all the information (best for mobile view), or you can switch to the table view at the top to see all information at a time (best for desktop).
The list includes the app "Langster" which does not use AI, but I liked it so much that I still kept it in as a bonus!
Review result
June 2023 is a great time to try out these apps as many of them are in beta stage and offer free use or at least free trials.
The apps can be split into two different groups: The first group is more like traditional language courses with vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening exercises, similar to Duolingo or classical textbooks. The second group tries to emulate a spoken or written chat with a friend. Some are very basic don't offer more than could be done with a simple prompt in ChatGPT, but most have the added benefit of translations, corrections, and text-to-speech.
My favourite for the first group is Kaizen, but unfortunately it only offers Spanish and Japanese, which is not so useful for a German teacher like me. EF Hello is a good option for other languages, but it is not cheap. Both of them offer a very structured course that guide you from complete beginner to advanced level.
My favourite app of the second group is Tutor Lily. It is currently free and offers spoken and written chat and the option to talk freely or about a set topic. It also shows useful feedback as well as corrections but in a sutle way that will not discourage learners.
Article Summary
Chat GPT helped me summarise the main pros and cons of AI-powered apps according to the BBC article mentioned above.
"The article "Students switch to AI to learn languages" discusses the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning, describing both the advantages and disadvantages of this development.
Pros of AI in Language Learning:
1. Convenience and Flexibility: AI can correct errors, provide regional language variations, and is available round the clock without having to account for time zone differences.
2. Customized Learning Tools: It can be adapted to generate study aids like verb tense charts, which can be especially helpful for learners with attention difficulties like ADHD.
3. Enhanced Vocabulary and Grammar Learning: AI-powered tools have helped workers and students to improve their technical vocabulary and grammar.
4. Non-judgmental Practice Environment: AI provides a safe space for learners who might feel self-conscious about making mistakes. Learners can practice without fear of judgment.
5. Personalization and Interest-Based Learning: Modern AI can cultivate AI pen pals, allowing users to speak about things that interest them, which makes language learning less of a chore.
6. Feed
back and Correction: Certain AI applications provide corrective feedback, which is helpful for vocabulary development, grammar, and other language skills.
7. Better User Retention: As an example, the language learning app LangAI reported that around 45% of users who tried the app for around 10 minutes were still using it a month later.
Cons of AI in Language Learning:
1. Limited Language Options: Many AI language-learning apps are available only for a limited set of languages, particularly those that are widely spoken.
2. Accuracy and Quality Issues: Even in common languages, chatbots sometimes make errors, invent words, or provide less accurate learning for languages underrepresented online or those with different writing systems.
3. Potential Miscommunication: The confidence with which AI chatbots deliver text could lead relatively new learners to accept incorrect information.
4. Ethical and Privacy Concerns: There are concerns about potential biases, inappropriate ways of talking, and data privacy.
Overall, while AI seems unlikely to replace human interaction entirely in language learning, it's seen as a useful supplement that can provide personalized and convenient learning experiences. However, improvements need to be made to address issues such as the quality of learning for less common languages and ethical concerns. Some educators, like Assoc Prof Klímová, believe that it's just a matter of time before AI significantly changes the role of teachers in language education,
turning them more into mentors and facilitators rather than direct instructors."