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Emily Kho

Speaking the Same Language: How AI Can Be Used to Support English Language Learners

There's no doubt that English is the language of opportunity. But for many non-native speakers, mastering the language can be a challenge. That's where artificial intelligence (AI) could come in. By providing tailored feedback and personalized instruction, AI technology can help English language learners (ELLs) improve their skills more effectively.


The number of certified and accredited English learner teachers plummeted by 10.4 percent from 2018-19 to 2019-20 academic years, as reported in the latest federal data. But yet, the number of English language learners is growing by 2.6%.


In this post, we'll explore how AI can support ELLs in their journey to fluency as well as assist teachers with the ever-growing demand for their expertise.



AI and Learning Languages

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn English. It can evaluate a student's progress in real-time and provide helpful feedback on speaking, grammar, and pronunciation. AI applications can provide sophisticated language support that teachers are unable to match.


AI algorithms can also identify mistakes before they’re made by suggesting alternative words and phrases during a conversation. This level of support helps ELLs catch up to the rest of their classmates faster than ever before.


In addition, natural language processing technology has proved helpful in encouraging interactive learning and making lessons more engaging by allowing users to interact with virtual teaching agents. AI may be a game changer in helping ELLs learn English faster and more efficiently.

Personalized Learning Experience

Utilizing AI technology in education can help to create the optimal personalized learning experience for English language learners. Leveraging AI to decipher students' speech and writing gives teachers a unique insight into how their students comprehend the language.


AI-based tools can then be leveraged to enhance the overall educational environment for ELLs by offering real-time support for students with different language backgrounds. This ensures that all students get the same level of instruction regardless of their native language and capabilities.


Additionally, having access to advanced analytics will help educators better assess each student within their studies and even identify areas of interest that could lead them down a fulfilling educational trajectory. With AI, there is no limit to what kind of innovative learning experiences can be created for ELLS.

Digital Content More Accessible Than Ever Before

Artificial Intelligence technologies provide educational content developers an incredible opportunity to create new and innovative teaching techniques to meet the unique needs of English language learners.


AI-powered tools can provide real-time feedback and personalized suggestions to help ELLs learn more quickly, including grammar and language comprehension. Virtual tutoring is one example, with interactive voice recognition software that can respond to student responses simply and naturally, thus enabling close interaction between teachers and students.


Furthermore, AI's multimedia capabilities support the computer-generated instructional design and graphic elements to create engaging visual experiences. Digital content built on AI technology stands a much better chance of connecting with ELLs than traditional learning methods by delivering lessons tailored to their individual levels of proficiency.

AI-based Applications & Programs For ELLs

AI-based applications and programs are becoming increasingly popular in teaching English learners. These technology-driven capabilities enhance instruction, provide accommodations for all learning styles, and agitate differentiation – all vital elements for assessing, planning, delivering, and evaluating instruction for ELLs.


Altitude Learning is the ideal platform for student-driven learning, helping them reach their professional goals. It allows them to plan individualized learning paths for each student and track their progress. With this AI tool, educators can ensure all students receive the attention they need and deserve, with support from start to finish.


Gradescope provides a platform for students to interact and discuss grades in an efficient, streamlined way. By using this AI tool, which merges experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence, graders can free up time and energy to pour into their teaching while leaving the grading process to be outsourced. Doing so gives them complete control over how they use their resources.


Knewton’s Alta is an incredibly powerful Artificial Intelligence tool that offers personalized learning to higher education students. This courseware can be specifically tailored to match each student's unique needs and goals, allowing them to study more effectively and efficiently. With Alta, you won't have to look elsewhere for course materials - they offer everything from text and video lessons to examples and quizzes.


ryco.io is an EdTech firm that brings together expert educators, tech pros, and creative thinkers to revolutionize eLearning. With the aim to expand language eLearning access and simplify translation, ryco.io is integrating Artificial Intelligence tools into their content too.

How Educators Can Incorporate AI for Teaching Support

Educators looking for ways to leverage the power of AI when teaching English language learners have many options available. Looking into adaptive learning solutions that use AI algorithms for personalized instruction and data analysis can be very beneficial in helping meet the specific needs of ELLs.


Additionally, text-to-speech/speech-to-text tools help give students access to complex language presented in audio or visual form, allowing them to better understand content by having it delivered differently.


Finally, incorporating AI-powered game design allows students to practice language and literacy skills while creating an environment conducive to exploring complex concepts. Thus, by utilizing the potential of AI, educators can provide more effective support structures explicitly tailored to the needs of their ELLs.

Where Do We Go From Here?

AI-based technologies are rapidly becoming essential tools for teaching ELLs. With more instructional software, applications, and platforms emerging on the market, it’s necessary to understand what AI can do and how it can be utilized in the classroom.


With thoughtful implementation, both students and teachers can massively benefit from the potential of AI in the classroom. As we continue to explore the capabilities of AI in educating English language learners, educators must keep their students’ needs in mind while staying up-to-date with the most current AI technologies. This will ensure they can make the best decisions regarding incorporating AI into their instruction and curriculum planning.


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