Tutors embrace Airtificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching English language

Schools across the globe are increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their English curricula, a teachers’ lobby has disclosed

In a move that has sparked excitement, debate and transformation, English teachers have lauded the new technology for personalizing learning, enabling them to handle routine tasks easily thereby giving them more time to inspire, connect with learners and cultivate a love for the language.

Speaking during a global annual conference at Zetech University, English teachers under the umbrella of English Language Professionals Association of Kenya (ELPAK) allayed fears that growth of the technology would replace teachers saying it will instead empower them.

They insisted that AI is no longer just a futuristic concept but a classroom reality especially on matters of English language instruction.

ELPAK chairman Fredrick Otieno, who’s a retired teacher, said that the group is aimed at bringing together English teachers from across the country for professional growth as well as tackle problems they face while teaching in their isolated areas.

“This is a forum where teachers grow professionally. We believe that teachers need continuous professional development. We bring together our teachers so that they can also find solutions to the problems they face and for the benefit of the students who are the end recipients,” Otieno said.

The chairman noted that incorporation of AI in English teaching has made the work of teachers easier which include assessing and setting of exams as well as lessons planning.

“AI is very good and helpful to the teacher and the learner, but should not replace the teacher. It’s a good asset and teachers have embraced it in their work including writing proposals and thesis,” he said.

However, Otieno expressed concerns that the technology is not directly beneficial to learners in the Kenyan set-up, owing to restriction of mobile phones usage in schools.

The ban was enforced to reduce distractions, improve focus in the classroom and curb the potential for negative behaviors such as bullying and violence.

Teachers led by Jemal Maringo from Tanzania and Rukia Mohammed emphasized that the new technology has become a classroom assistant as most of them use AI to analyze students’ writing more efficiently, freeing up time for more meaningful “one-on-one” instruction and discussion.

“Teaching the English language in Tanzania has been challenging because our main language is Kiswahili. Even teachers face difficulties because our learners have very low standards and understanding of English,

“With the new technologies we have witnessed tremendous change and improvement both in learning and teaching of English,” said Maringo, who has taught for 20 years.

Prof Njenga Munene, the Vice-Chancellor Zetech University described English language as vital due to its widespread global usage, serving as a medium for international communication, education, and technology.

Munene pointed out that AI can assist in collating dialects and phonetics by analyzing large datasets of speech and text to identify patterns in pronunciation, vocabulary, and intonation specific to different dialects.

The global English conference that drew guests from all parts of the world provided a platform for disclosure on evolving trends in English language teaching and learning.