AI is changing the way we teach and learn English.

In his presentation titled "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on English Language Teaching and Learning: Preparing for the Future," Dr. Adam Edmett highlighted the new opportunities that AI can bring to foreign language education in the current context.

Specifically, AI technologies such as software-based learning, natural language processing, and generative artificial intelligence have changed the way both teachers and students approach foreign language teaching and learning.

Furthermore, AI applications and platforms help optimize and personalize learning.

Typically, ChatGPT acts as an assistant that can answer many questions and concerns according to the learner's needs. Many English learning apps can integrate AI to analyze the user's learning progress and provide the most suitable exercises.

According to Dr. Adam Edmett, AI not only benefits learners but also greatly assists teachers. For teachers, many AI applications are saving them effort by automating repetitive tasks such as grading assignments, conducting tests, managing classrooms, and assisting with learning resource searches. AI applications allow teachers to focus on creative teaching activities and direct interaction with students.

"Along with the advantages come some challenges. Data collected for AI models may be biased toward English-speaking countries. There are also some privacy and data security risks, particularly for learners," said Dr. Adam Edmett, adding that the British Council is conducting extensive research to develop frameworks for applying AI to English language teaching and learning in the future.

Meanwhile, Professor Nguyen Hoa - president of the VietTESOL branch and a member of the workshop organizing committee - noted that students should choose learning applications and tools that suit their goals and learning style. AI only provides more and richer tools, but the role of self-learning by the learner remains crucial for mastering a foreign language.

From the teachers' perspective, Professor Nguyen Hoa believes they need AI literacy and awareness of ethical issues related to the use of AI. In particular, teachers should strike a balance between combining traditional teaching methods and AI tools to create a diverse learning environment.

Enhancing teacher capacity

This year's VietTESOL International Conference attracted over 500 speakers and participants from various organizations, schools, and academies both domestically and internationally. The conference was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc - Deputy Minister of Education and Training , Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung - Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, and others.

Mr. Davide Guarini Gilmartin - Academic Director of the British Council Vietnam - stated that at this year's VietTESOL International Conference, the British Council contributed many experts to share their experiences, present the latest research on English language teaching methods, and projects to enhance the capacity of English teachers. This year's conference theme addresses the needs of many teachers in the context of the rapid development of AI.

Davide Guarini Gilmartin shared that over the years, the British Council has always been interested in improving the teaching capacity of teachers, because teachers play a crucial role in teaching and learning English.

The British Council often creates opportunities for teachers in Vietnam to access new research and methods, helping them to accumulate more teaching experience. The VietTESOL workshop is one such opportunity. Ultimately, the students of teachers who participate in these events will be the ones who benefit the most.

Professor Su Dinh Thanh, Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, assessed that VietTESOL 2024 provided participants with in-depth knowledge, updated the latest trends, and analyzed diverse and fresh perspectives on English teaching and learning. This was also an opportunity to learn from leading experts in English teaching in the new era.