The Problem: Technology in Education

The increasing presence of technology in our daily lives has transformed various domains, including education. The global pandemic accelerated this shift, forcing educational institutions to adapt rapidly to virtual learning. While this transition revealed the benefits of digital tools, it also exposed their limitations. One of the major challenges in education, particularly in language learning, is the growing demand for teachers and the need for more effective, engaging learning environments. Robots and AI platforms have shown potential in language education, offering motivational support and personalized learning experiences. However, their integration into classrooms remains a subject of exploration.

Challenges in AI-Augmented Language Learning

While AI promises a more interactive and responsive learning experience, its implementation raises several questions and concerns:

• Teacher-Student Dynamics: How does AI impact the relationship between teachers and students?

• Acceptance: To what extent are educators and students willing to integrate AI into the learning process?

• Effectiveness and Challenges: What are the potential benefits and obstacles in AI-augmented classrooms?

To address these concerns, our research aimed to design a concept for AI-augmented language classrooms that support both teachers and students while leveraging the capabilities of AI-powered language assistants.

Methods: Exploring AI Integration in Language Education

A multi-phase research approach was used to develop and evaluate an AI-language assistant:

1. Co-Design Workshop: A collaborative workshop was conducted with two Finnish language teachers, three students, and one specialist. Through structured tasks, participants shared their needs, expectations, and concerns about AI in language education.

2. Prototype Development: Based on workshop insights, a concept of an AI-language assistant was created and simulated using ChatGPT, designed to function as a Finnish language tutor.

3. Evaluation through Online Language Classes: The AI assistant was tested in a real-world setting during an online Finnish language course with 12 students. Two learning scenarios were compared:

   • One session using the AI-language assistant.

   • One session using traditional study methods, such as flashcards.

4. Data Collection and Analysis: Surveys, interviews, and performance assessments measured student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction with AI integration.

Findings: The Impact of AI on Language Learning

The study revealed both promising benefits and notable challenges:

Benefits:

• 24/7 Availability: The AI assistant provided constant access to language practice, unlike human teachers with limited availability.

• Immediate Feedback: Students appreciated real-time corrections and guidance, leading to improved test performance.

• Personalized Learning: AI adapted to individual student needs, offering tailored exercises and recommendations.

Challenges:

• Technology Limitations: AI’s working memory constraints affected its ability to maintain natural, context-aware conversations.

• Human Interaction Concerns: Teachers worried about students relying too much on AI, potentially weakening interpersonal communication skills.

• Acceptance Barriers: While students enjoyed the AI assistant, some educators were hesitant about its role in classrooms, fearing it might replace human instruction rather than support it.

Implications for Future AI-Augmented Classrooms

Based on the findings, the study proposed 11 key design implications for AI integration in language education, including:

• AI Literacy for Users: Educators and students need training to effectively use AI tools.

• Personalization: AI should adapt to individual learning styles for a better experience.

• Teacher Support: AI should assist, not replace, educators by handling repetitive tasks and freeing time for creative teaching methods.

• Real-Time Progress Tracking: Students benefit from immediate insights into their progress and areas for improvement.

Conclusion: The Future of AI in Language Learning

The research contributes valuable insights into the potential of AI in language education. While AI-powered assistants can enhance learning experiences by providing personalized support and real-time feedback, challenges such as technology limitations and concerns about human interaction must be addressed. Moving forward, AI should be developed as a complementary tool that empowers educators and enriches the student learning experience rather than replacing traditional teaching methods.

This project serves as a foundation for future developments in AI-augmented classrooms, paving the way for more interactive and effective language learning environments.