AI-based tools in higher foreign language education: role, approaches and criteria selection

Abstract

Abstract: The relevance of the study is determined by the need to identify the role of artificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI) in the system of higher foreign language education in the current conditions, and its importance for optimising the educational process. The purpose of the article is to clarify the approaches to the use of AI-based tools in the educational process and the criteria for their selection in teaching foreign languages; to characterise some AI-based tools for students' foreign language skills development and to assist teachers in planning lessons and developing learning materials. The study used a comprehensive analysis of contemporary domestic and foreign publications in the field of artificial intelligence, teaching and learning foreign languages, and the possibilities of AI tools implementing in higher education. The results of the study allowed us to identify the transition from the classical two-part relation system (‘human-teacher’ and ‘human-student’) to a three-part relation system (‘human-teacher’, ‘human-student’ and ‘AI-teacher’) as a characteristic feature of the new educational system, where artificial intelligence acts as an intermediary between the teacher and the student and contributes to the success of learning. The personalisation, flexibility, adaptability, and inclusiveness of AI-enabled education opens up opportunities for individualised learning, as opposed to a standard approach. Artificial intelligence acts as a mentor, tutor, coach, teammate, student, simulator, and tool in the educational process. Integrating AI tools into the educational process involves taking into account the criteria for their selection: providing feedback, inclusiveness and safety of use; adaptability to individual student needs; compliance with pedagogical goals; content relevance; ease of use; cost-effectiveness; productivity. Conclusions. The study has confirmed the significant role of AI in modern higher education and, in particular, foreign language learning. The inclusion of AI tools in the learning process presupposes the development of teachers’ and students’ digital literacy, the development of teaching and learning complexes based on AI tools, and the integration of student collaboration with AI tools into the classroom and out-of-classroom learning process. The article describes a number of AI-based tools for the development of students' foreign language speaking skills and to help teachers plan and organise the educational process. Keywords: approaches to the use of artificial intelligence, development of foreign language speaking skills, personalisation, adaptation to individual needs, student-centredness, digital literacy.