52. The AI Language Paradox: A Language Expert's Take on AI Learning and The Future of Language
Apr 4, 2024
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Explore the potential of AI for seamless language translation in classrooms. Discuss tradeoffs of relying on AI for communication vs. developing language skills. See how AI can support multilingual learners in diverse classrooms. Learn about challenges and benefits of embracing multilingualism in education.
AI translation devices can bridge language barriers in classrooms, aiding student engagement.
AI translators may risk cultural competency loss by overshadowing language learning and cultural understanding.
AI tools can assist in teaching language requirements explicitly for various tasks, aiding multilingual student support.
Deep dives
Red Light: Stop assigning tasks and start explicitly teaching the language requirements for each task
Instead of simply assigning tasks like lab reports or book reports, the recommendation is to provide explicit instruction on the language requirements for each task. This involves teaching the academic language necessary for tasks such as understanding what a biography entails or breaking down the different sections of a lab report.
Green Light: Use AI to develop explicit teaching materials for tasks
The green light suggests leveraging AI tools to create outlines and materials for tasks, such as reports or evaluations, to aid in teaching language requirements explicitly. Using AI to generate model texts or outlines allows educators to analyze and adapt these materials to better instruct students on the language components needed for various tasks.
Broad Recommendation: Embrace the framework of WEDA and teach language explicitly at all levels
The broader recommendation emphasizes the importance of using a comprehensive approach to teaching language at the word, sentence, paragraph, and organization levels. By following the framework provided by WEDA, educators can ensure that language instruction focuses on making content comprehensible through clear and structured language teaching at different levels.
Green Light: Emphasize comprehensive language instruction for all teachers
The recommendation encourages all teachers to approach their instruction with a focus on comprehensive language teaching. By considering language at different levels – word, sentence, paragraph, and organization – educators can effectively support students in developing language skills across various tasks and topics.
Connect with Tan and Explore AI in Supporting Multilingual Learners
Those interested in connecting with Tan can find him on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter under the handle 'win'. Additionally, exploring episode 146B of his podcast delves deeper into AI's role in assisting multilingual learners for those wanting more insights on the topic.
Artificial Intelligence presents amazing potential for language development and translation in the next couple years.
Imagine a scenario where a Vietnamese speaking student can enter a full immersion English speaking classroom on day one with an AI translation device which seamlessly translates both languages so a student can engage in content without having to develop a full language competency.
Many companies are excited by this possibility and working fervently to make it a reality. A world where technology makes communication across languages seamless and accessible.
While AI technology presents the capability to make seamless translation a reality, does it come with tradeoffs? We know every language, let alone dialect, also includes cultural context, nuance, and semantics, meaning the gap for miscommunication still exists.
If AI translators are adopted across the world, does it also lead to a loss of cultural competency as folks rely on AI translation rather than learning new languages - and the cultural lens which come with it?
At the same time, many schools and teachers across the world are experiencing tremendous challenges in supporting multilingual learners. As our communities continue to change, there are classrooms where many different languages could be spoken - how does a teacher support all of these students? Can AI help?
Tan Huynh has insight here. As a multilingual education expert who speaks six languages and an individual who has taught close to two decades in a variety of educational contexts, Tan is uniquely positioned to provide important answers to these big questions.
Show notes at TheAIEducationConversation.com
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