Artificial Intelligence – scary paradigm shift or opportunity to evolve?

Abstract

This feature article sets out to offer some ideas and provoke discussion on the future of Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models in language education. The brief I was given is simple, to draw on my own observation, understanding and experience to set out a positive take on the development of AI Large Language Models in the education sector. So, caveat lector, this is not written from a neutral perspective, all opinions are my own unless stated otherwise.
I’ve set out to offer a brief survey of the major opportunities AI presents for language learners and teachers. These include an expansion in capacity and types of practice, support for the study environment and the roles of student and teacher. I set out a vision of a disruptive but ultimately beneficial impact on major aspects of language learning such as assessment and access to instruction. I have concluded by reflecting on the continuity and future possibilities of deep and ubiquitous AI augmentation of human language use.