Overview

Learning a new language can be exciting, but we don’t always have the resources to push ourselves to the next level. In “Learning Languages with AI”, you will learn how to enhance language learning with the help of generative AI tools. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement, then explore how you can responsibly harness AI to enhance your language skills even further. Throughout the course, you’ll work to create unique and personalized lessons tailored to your learning style and goals. Learn to use strategic approaches based on your skill level to improve your spoken and written communication in any language. Whether you’re new to generative AI tools or are a chatbot expert, this course will meet you where you are to embark on an enjoyable and satisfying language-learning journey.

Syllabus

Getting started

In this module, you will learn about the course structure and choose how to engage with it. We will explore the benefits of using generative AI for language learning. You will practice a conversation with a generative AI tool and learn about the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The CEFR helps to identify language goals and to describe them to generative AI.

AI and IRL exposure, study, and practice

In this module, you'll use generative AI to achieve a language goal. We'll introduce the CRESP model (Context and Communication Objective, Reflection, Exposure, Study, and Practice) to plan engaging generative AI and real-life language learning activities. Context refers to the situation for using the language, and Communication Objective defines your communicative purpose. Reflecting on each component accelerates language development. Exposure, Study, and Practice are core elements of language learning. You'll design and complete three generative AI activities, one for each component, to enhance your language skills.

Wisely using your AI tools

In this module, you'll enhance your generative AI-supported language learning. We'll delve deeper into context to elicit more accurate language use in specific situations. You'll experiment with low-context and high-context prompts. Additionally, you'll explore and evaluate generative AI-powered language learning apps, helping you choose effective tools in the future. Lastly, we'll address the challenge of measuring progress in self-directed language learning by identifying ways to leverage both generative AI and real-life experiences to track your development.

Identifying the limits of AI tools

In this module, you'll address challenges in using generative AI for language learning and develop strategies to overcome them. AI-generated language can often sound generic and lack diversity due to its training data and reproduction of the most common patterns in that data. You'll explore creative ways to push the limits of generative AI tools. Additionally, you'll investigate biases in generative AI, learn to recognize them, and discover strategies to mitigate their impact. Finally, you'll navigate the complex issue of plagiarism when using generative AI for writing in your target language.

Making your personalized language learning plan

In this module you’ll create a plan for continued language learning using generative AI, media, and human interaction. We’ll begin by exploring the benefits of planning. You'll use generative AI tools to save time and brainstorm ideas for your plan. We'll discuss how to evolve and improve your plan over time. Finally, you'll learn how to use generative AI to brainstorm additional ways to enhance your language skills through broader human communication beyond generative AI.