In November 2024, the British Council organised a two-day International Workshop in partnership with France Education international. Our goal was to bring together teachers, teacher trainers, academics and policy makers from across Europe to reflect on the future role of AI in language teaching. In this blog post, Magdalena Bubula, Malpolska teacher Development Centre in Poland, shares her reflections on the event.
I recently had the privilege of participating in an inspiring two-day workshop organised by British Council France and France Education international in the picturesque town of Sèvres, France. This event brought together educators from across Europe, offering a unique opportunity to listen to insightful presentations from education experts, engage in thought-provoking discussions during the round table, and collaborate in group-work sessions.
During our group discussions, we delved into several fascinating topics that continue to resonate with me. It is from these conversations that the reflections in this blog post were born - thoughts on the intersection of AI, language learning, and human connection.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education, especially in the realm of language learning. With its ability to deliver instant translations, customise lesson plans, and provide personalised feedback, AI is like having a tireless assistant in the classroom. But as we welcome these advances, it’s worth pausing to ask: how do we balance innovation with the human touch?
The “Dune” Perspective: Balancing technology and humanity
Fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune might recall the cautionary tale of the Butlerian Jihad, where humans rose up against "thinking machines" that grew too powerful. While we’re not exactly preparing for intergalactic rebellion, it’s a cheeky reminder that technology, no matter how helpful, should always remain a tool - something we control, not the other way around. After all, nobody wants to end up asking Alexa for permission to teach grammar!
AI and communication: Enhancing or homogenising?
Let’s take a moment to imagine a world where all personal and business relationships rely on AI translators. Sure, it might eliminate awkward language barriers and make conversations more efficient. But would it feel the same? When you’re communicating through a translator, some nuances, humor, and even personality might get lost in the process. Language is deeply tied to identity, and when we stick to our mother language, we maintain a unique sense of self.
On the flip side, AI can make it easier to express complex ideas without the struggle of finding the right word in a foreign language. Yet, there’s a risk we could become overly reliant on these tools, losing not only the ability to think critically but also the brain power to expand our horizons and deepen our knowledge. And if everyone started communicating through AI, we might all end up sounding eerily similar - imagine a world where everyone uses the same tone and style. Where’s the fun in that?
The role of AI in language education
AI offers tremendous opportunities for tailoring education to individual learners. It can adapt lessons to students’ unique needs, provide instant feedback, and suggest resources that align with their goals. This kind of personalisation can be a game-changer, making language learning more engaging and efficient.
But there’s a catch. If we lean too heavily on AI, we might risk losing some of the essential human elements of education - like the motivation that comes from a teacher who believes in their students, or the collaborative skills developed through working with peers. Language learning is, after all, deeply social, and no algorithm can replace the warmth of human connection.
