Fostering critical and positive uses of GenAI in our language teaching

The widespread availability of GenAI tools is changing how we engage in language related tasks. Monomodal and multimodal GenAI tools can quickly and efficiently compose an array of ‘authentic-like’ genres through ‘conversation-like’ interactions. The power of these tools clearly creates new possibilities for language learning. However, learners need to be able to use GenAI tools critically, responsibly, and positively to create language learning opportunities rather than replace them.

The talk is structured around three essential aspects of learning in the age of AI (learning despite AI, learning with AI, and learning about AI). It provides my insights into ways we can nurture critical and positive uses of GenAI in language learning by rethinking our language learning curriculum, objectives, learning activities, and assessments to reflect the GenAI world.