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, Jérôme Nogues, a French teacher at Shrewsbury School in the UK shares his reflections on the event.
On 13 and 14 November 2024, the British Council and France Éducation international convened a groundbreaking International Workshop on AI and Language Teaching. This pivotal event brought together 70 participants from diverse backgrounds, creating a unique platform for exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in language education.
A collaborative approach to innovation
The workshop was meticulously organised by George Wilson from the British Council, alongside Luis Galindo and Sandrine Grégoire from France Education international. What set this event apart was its carefully curated participant mix, intentionally including teachers, researchers, teacher educators, and education leaders from across Europe.
Engaging discussions and expert insights
The event featured a dynamic round table masterfully moderated by George Wilson, bringing together the experts Alain Thillay, Jonas Erin (France), Dr. Kate Borthwick (UK), Dr. Joan Tomàs Pujolà (Spain), and Magdalena Bubula (Poland). Leveraging AI translation technology, the discussion transcended linguistic barriers, creating a truly international dialogue.
The round table explored many critical themes in AI and language education, I was extremely interested by these ones:
- ethical frameworks: the urgent need for comprehensive guidelines governing AI in educational settings.
- global collaboration: a call for an inclusive conversation involving teachers, policymakers, researchers and technology companies.
- research priorities: emphasis on studying the long-term impacts of AI-assisted language learning.
- teacher preparedness: the critical importance of training educators to critically evaluate and effectively utilise AI tools.
- human-centered approach: a unanimous recognition that technological tools cannot replace the nuanced human elements of language learning.
Practical innovations and tool demonstrations
After some reflection, it was time to have a practical session led by Rochane Kerbouche and myself, demonstrating innovative AI tools in language teaching. I showcased an array of free tools designed to develop the four key language skills, including Vidnoz for creating language-learning avatars and Brisk Teaching for generating instant quizzes from websites, documents and YouTube videos. Throughout the demonstration, I consistently emphasized my core principle: educational technology should only be employed when it genuinely enhances the learning experience.
British Council report presentation, interactive workshops and collaborative exploration
The afternoon was just as packed as the morning with the presentation of the British Council’s fascinating report on AI and English language teaching: preparing for the future delivered by Dr. Helen Crompton. Then, small group workshops delved into profound questions about language learning in the AI era. Participants critically examined topics such as the increasing need for language learning and AI's potential role in educational transformation.
Innovative documentation and reflection
The workshop's collective insights were ingeniously captured using Notebook LM, creating a podcast that virtually synthesised the day's discussions. The virtual presenters skilfully bounced ideas off each other, presenting a comprehensive overview of the workshop's key findings.
A memorable evening of connection
As the first day of workshops concluded, the British Council graciously hosted a social dinner at a nearby restaurant, providing participants with an invaluable opportunity for informal networking and cultural exchange. The evening was a vibrant celebration of international collaboration, with participants conversing freely in French and English to share stories and insights beyond the formal workshop setting.
This social gathering demonstrated the workshop's underlying ethos of human connection—a fitting counterpoint to the day's discussions about AI and technology. Participants from diverse backgrounds found common ground, reinforcing the workshop's collaborative spirit and the irreplaceable nature of personal interaction that had been a key theme of the day's conversations.
Day two: Exploring assessment and future implications
The second day of the workshop began with a profound exploration of assessment methodologies in the era of artificial intelligence. This morning session was dedicated to a critical examination of how technological advancements are reshaping evaluation techniques in language education.
A particularly engaging segment was led by Miloud Benali, who conducted an innovative interactive activity which provided not only entertainment but also offered deep insights into the differences between AI and humans
The workshop then transitioned to reviewing the previous day's collaborative outputs. Using Notebook LM, participants were presented with a podcast synthesising the workshop's collective insights. The virtual presenters dynamically discussed the ideas generated during the small group workshops, creating a compelling narrative of the collective thinking.
The most resonant message to emerge from this synthesised discussion was the fundamental understanding that AI should serve to empower teachers and learners. The group emphasised the critical need for ongoing reflection on the evolving nature of language learning and the transformative role of educators in this new technological landscape.
Personal Reflection
The workshop crystallised a fundamental insight: AI in language learning must be a strategic tool that enhances, not replaces, human interaction. While technology can provide personalised learning experiences and instant feedback, the essence of language acquisition remains deeply human.
The most effective language learning will integrate AI's capabilities - personalised paths, adaptive feedback, immersive environments - while preserving the irreplaceable elements of human education: empathy, cultural nuance, and emotional connection.
Following the conference, I explored Paris’ beautiful sites that I had not seen in a while, walking over 15 kilometers and reflecting on these insights. The city's rich linguistic landscape seemed a perfect metaphor for the delicate balance between technological innovation and human creativity in language education. I was also extremely grateful to have been invited by the British Council to make a small contribution to this fantastic conference and allowing me to meet wonderful people.
