EdTech: Transforming Language Learning

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of being able to communicate in multiple languages is growing. Despite often expressing a desire to learn another language, many of us never actually follow through. However, a recent survey conducted by language learning app Duolingo reveals that the urban Indian population is showing a strong curiosity and motivation to learn new languages. The survey indicates that half of urban Indians have successfully acquired a new language within the past one-to-two years.

Technology has helped in this matter. EdTech plays a key role in changing the way we learn languages and especially in promoting the development of speech and new languages. EdTech is revolutionizing the language learning environment by utilizing innovative tools and techniques, making it easier, more interesting and more effective than ever before.

Urban Indians take advantage of this. According to the survey, four out of five urban Indians use digital tools such as language learning apps and online courses to learn a new language at least once a week.

How does EdTech help learners master languages?

“EdTech is an umbrella term that includes many hardware and software systems and resources that facilitate learning in many different ways,” says Dan Berges, MD and founder of the Berges Institute, one of the Spanish language online learning platforms expanding in the US and Europe. , and India.

“Education companies and organizations of all sizes around the world now have the opportunity to build their own technology-based learning environments, outsource everything, or combine in-house and third-party solutions,” he adds.

Interactive language learning platforms

One of the key parts of EdTech is interactive language learning platforms that give learners the opportunity to take responsibility for their language journey. These platforms utilize state-of-the-art speech recognition technology that allows students to practice speaking the target language while receiving instant feedback.

“While traditional video recording and video playback technologies previously enabled asynchronous distance learning, modern cloud infrastructure and global networks enable real-time (i.e. synchronous) two-way communication between teachers and students, which is essential in language learning,” says Berges. .

Today, learners can participate in interactive discussions and simulate real-life scenarios without leaving the comfort of their homes.

“Real-time video compression and packet prioritization algorithms have allowed language teachers and students to communicate with each other over the network seamlessly, even when using slower Internet technologies such as DSL or satellite,” he says.

Gamification increases motivation

EdTech understands the role of learner motivation in language acquisition. Just staring at an app all day is not the basis of EdTech language learning. To address this, many language learning apps and platforms use gamification techniques. A few examples are Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Memrise. In fact, Duolingo pioneered the blending of gamification with language learning, creating a wave of gamified language learning platforms and apps.

By including game-like elements such as prizes, badges and level-ups, learners are encouraged to progress in their grammar studies. Gamification promotes healthy competition between students and creates feelings of achievement, keeping them engaged throughout their language learning journey.

Virtual reality for authentic experiences

Imagine walking the busy streets of Paris, conversing with locals in French, or exploring the picturesque landscapes of Japan while practicing your Japanese. It is made possible by EdTech using virtual reality (VR). Some apps that offer a VR-based language learning experience are Immerse, Noun Town, ImmerseMe, Language Lab, and Mondly.

VR simulations provide learners with authentic environments where they can practice their speaking skills and build confidence in real-life situations. This technique breaks down barriers and allows learners to immerse themselves in the cultural environment of the language being studied.

Augmented reality (AR) for language validation

EdTech’s integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into language learning offers exciting possibilities. Point your smartphone at your surroundings and see the words you’ve learned in front of you. Apps like Mondly AR and HelloTalk are known to use this technology to provide an interactive and visible virtual assistant.

“The biggest benefit of gamification, AR and VR is that they can greatly improve student engagement, resulting in more hours of exposure to the target language, which flattens the learning curve,” says Berges.

AR applications can overlay language tags, translations, and interactive elements into the physical world, improving vocabulary retention and promoting real-world language use. Apps like WordLens, Quiver, and AR Translator help learners translate written text.

AI personalization

Regardless of the application, artificial intelligence makes things faster and easier. EdTech harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to personalize language learning experiences.

Artificial intelligence-based platforms analyze the strengths and weaknesses of individual students and customize lesson plans and exercises accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that learners receive targeted support and practice in areas that need improvement, ultimately accelerating their language skills.

According to the report, the global AI education market share is projected to grow at a CAGR of 36% from 2022 to 2030. Language learning is the area where artificial intelligence is expected to have the greatest impact.

Maya Valencia Goodall, MD, MA, senior director of emerging bilingual curricula at Lexia Learning, says AI can promote equity for emerging bilingual learners in two ways: “1) by creating effective, personalized learning pathways, and 2) by quickly producing information that has historically been absent or extremely delayed.”

However, not everyone says that artificial intelligence is here yet. Berges says: “It’s not clear yet because large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Bard or Llama are fairly new. So far we know that they can be really useful for casual conversational practice because they allow the language learner to have a conversation with a human-like entity , which speaks the target language perfectly, and can also be very engaging. For intermediate and advanced language learners, talking to a good AI chatbot can be very beneficial.”

Community-based learning

Some learners prefer to learn in isolation, while others seek out groups, which EdTech accommodates. EdTech has facilitated community-based learning, enabling language learners to connect with native speakers and other learners around the world. Applications such as HelloTalk, Tandem, HiNative, Meetup, Idyoma and Speaky allow the user to exchange language skills through communication.

Through language exchange platforms and online communities, learners can practice speaking, receive guidance and share cultural insights with peers from different language backgrounds. These interactions promote mutual understanding and enrich the language learning experience.

Content distribution systems and database applications

Content delivery systems and database applications can greatly improve classroom-based teaching in both language teaching and other fields. These mostly cloud-based systems can improve both teacher and student efficiency, increase engagement and motivation, facilitate teamwork, and provide logging functionality that allows teachers to record and analyze performance data in a metric-based, structured manner.

“Third-party browser-based database management software solutions have made educators more efficient, especially in curriculum management, assessment, evaluation and content delivery,” says Berges.

STT and TTS

Speech-to-text (STT) and text-to-text (TTS) technologies have enabled EdTech startups to develop tools that can automatically correct students’ pronunciation and allow them to listen to words in their target language spoken by their native speakers. according to demand.

However, in terms of speaking, Berges says that the TTS and SST models are still not very good.

“While a written conversation with an LLM can be engaging and feel ‘natural’, combining LLMs with TTS/SST models has so far not yielded good results because 1) the resulting system usually doesn’t sound very ‘human’ speaking, and 2 ) there is still an annoying latency when the system has to process the audio input,” he explains.

Breaking language barriers with EdTech

In the digital age, a learner only needs to want to learn a new language, and EdTech provides the tools as well as the spirit. EdTech is changing language learning and unleashing its full potential to improve speech and promote the development of new languages. From interactive platforms and game technologies to VR simulations and AI-based personalization, education technology offers a wide range of innovative tools that serve diverse learners.

In addition to the above, there are other technologies that are constantly upping the EdTech game for language learners, Berges says: “Although AI and VR tend to get more attention than other technologies, modern cloud infrastructures and global internet networks have had the biggest impact. These two technologies alone have given teachers the ability to scale their reach from the maximum number of students in a classroom to anyone with a screen and internet connection anywhere in the world.”

Evolving EdTech promises to open new horizons, break down language barriers, and create connections that connect the global community through the power of speech.