What is Artificial Intelligence and How Does it Work in Education?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to a branch of computer science that studies human thinking patterns and not only digitally replicates them but also develops systems that act in a “thinking-like” manner. At its core, AI describes computer-based systems that can analyze their environment, extract relevant information, and use it to make decisions that increase their chances of achieving specific goals.
In the field of education, especially in language learning, AI for language learning is playing an increasingly important role. This is why you can benefit from AI-powered tools to have foreign-language texts read aloud, check your writing for grammar and content, or even practice with virtual conversation partners.
Interested in AI and social media algorithms? Read this: The Role of AI in Social Media Algorithms.
One of the most well-known platforms is ChatGPT, a language AI model that responds with human-like answers to natural language inputs. Many learners around the world use ChatGPT specifically for AI for language learning to efficiently improve their skills.
Leading language learning apps worldwide in July 2024, by downloads
The chart titled “The World’s Leading Language Learning Apps in July 2024 by Number of Downloads”, published by Laura Ceci on August 29, 2024, based on data from Statisca, shows that in July 2024, Duolingo was the most popular language learning app worldwide. Around 14.3 million users downloaded the app on their mobile devices during the month.
Lingutown was the second most popular language learning app during this period, with nearly two million downloads. Apps focused on language acquisition for children were also in high demand. The child-specific app Buddy.ai: Fun Learning Games recorded 1.63 million downloads worldwide. Language learning apps that combine games with language acquisition are becoming increasingly popular among both adults and children as a fun and effective way to learn and practice a foreign language.
Bar chart titled “AI as Modern Teaching Tools,” published from ResearchGate, showing survey responses on how AI supports English language learning. Most participants agreed that AI aids self-study, helps overcome learning difficulties, and enhances classroom engagement.
Language Learning Apps with AI Support
Some of the most popular language learning apps include:
- Duolingo: This app uses AI in game-based contexts to motivate and engage language learners (gamification) and offers personalized learning paths. The exercises powered by AI for language learning adapt to the learner’s pace.
- Babbel: AI enables adaptive learning methods, analyzing not only progress but also optimizing lessons. It focuses on authentic conversations and supports learners specifically in AI for language learning.
- Busuu: AI-driven grammar and pronunciation exercises help learners improve efficiently. Additionally, learners can receive feedback from native speakers, making AI for language learning even more effective.
- Lingvist: In this language learning app, AI focuses on vocabulary and personalized repetition. Learners receive targeted words based on their proficiency level, making AI for language learning highly optimized.
- Rosetta Stone: This platform uses AI algorithms to provide learners with personalized feedback and recommendations, ensuring that AI for language learning supports the learning process in an individualized way.
Advantages of Using AI for Language Learning
Personalization of the Learning Process: Personalization with AI for language learning means that learners can adapt their learning process to their own characteristics, needs, and interests, enhancing motivation, engagement, comprehension, and performance. Since it is not possible in every classroom for teachers to address the needs of each individual learner, AI for language learning comes into play. Learners can use specific prompts on any AI platform, such as ChatGPT, to create vocabulary exercises, lessons, or texts tailored to their level and learning needs.
Individualization of the Learning Process: Many learners use AI for language learning to focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses because AI can generate personalized learning plans. By creating level-appropriate materials, learners can set their own pace and choose topics of interest, which boosts motivation. AI systems analyze learners’ vocabulary and language comprehension and dynamically adjust content according to their progress.
Time-Saving Error Correction and Feedback: AI tools correct learners’ mistakes and provide immediate feedback. This saves a lot of time compared to asking teachers to do it during class, making AI for language learning extremely efficient.
Challenges of AI for Language Learning
One of the main challenges of AI for language learning is data privacy. AI tools store extensive personal information about learners’ behaviors and learning habits. Therefore, learners must ensure compliance with legal requirements and manage data securely to protect their privacy. Another challenge is the potential dependency on AI, where learners might struggle to learn without it.
The Future of AI for Language Learning
AI for language learning has the potential to create immersive learning environments that allow learners to fully engage in the learning process. AI enables learners to practice as if they were in real-life situations while providing personalized guidance and support.
In the future, AI could be integrated with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to simulate real conversations, cultural experiences, interactive scenarios, and intercultural communication, making language training more engaging and realistic. For example, learners could participate in a virtual market in Tokyo to practice Japanese or order food in a simulated café in Paris to improve their French skills.
There are mixed predictions about AI’s future, but one interesting perspective comes from Bill Gates, , who said in the „New York Post“ on March 27, 2025, that AI will replace doctors, teachers within 10 years — and claims humans won’t be needed ‘for most things.’
If that were true, people in the future might even use AI for language learning to acquire new languages efficiently.
Konklusion
With the help of AI for language learning, learners today can make their learning process more effective, personalized, and motivating. This is a major advantage of AI for language learning.
Through personalized exercises, adaptive learning paths, and automated feedback, AI for language learning can specifically address learners’ strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, learners should use AI responsibly, particularly regarding data privacy, data management, and potential dependency. Even though AI could integrate immersive learning environments and technologies like VR and AR in the future, it does not fully replace teachers. Rather, it complements traditional learning methods and provides individualized support for language training.
