Artificial Intelligence in EFL Classrooms: Friend or Foe?

Hello, Shade Academia family! Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days—from your phone’s virtual assistant to predictive algorithms in your favorite apps. But how is this technology affecting education, specifically in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms? Today, we’re diving into a conversation about whether AI is becoming an invaluable tool or a disruptive force in the learning process. As educators and learners, this is something we all have a stake in. How does AI change the way we teach and learn, and should we welcome it into our classrooms, or should we be wary of its influence?

The research published in LEARN Journal explores the perceptions of EFL teachers in Indonesia who have integrated AI-powered tools into their teaching practices. These tools, like apps that give instant grammar feedback or assist with pronunciation, have the potential to revolutionize language learning. The study found that teachers were generally optimistic about AI’s role in the classroom. The apps provided immediate, personalized feedback to students—something that would be difficult for teachers to manage at scale. For instance, AI tools could correct a student’s grammar, explain why a particular sentence structure was wrong, and suggest better alternatives, all in real-time.

However, the teachers also expressed concerns. While AI could certainly make aspects of teaching more efficient, there was an underlying fear that it could replace essential human elements of education, such as emotional connection, mentorship, and guidance. The question remains: Can AI truly replicate the nuanced support that teachers provide, or should AI be seen merely as a supplement to human instruction?

Future ImplicationsThe study suggests that AI will continue to be an integral part of the education landscape, especially as these technologies become more sophisticated. In the future, AI could allow for more personalized learning experiences, where students progress at their own pace and receive feedback tailored to their individual needs. However, the study also warns that teachers must adapt and learn to work alongside these tools, ensuring that the human touch in education isn’t lost. The next generation of classrooms could see AI as a co-teacher, offering real-time assistance while human educators focus on fostering critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

Daily Life ConnectionsIn our daily lives, we’ve already begun relying on AI for everything from navigation to managing our schedules. In the classroom, AI’s role is much the same—it helps streamline tasks and provides personalized experiences. Just as we’ve learned to adapt to using AI in our phones and homes, we will need to do the same in education, leveraging its benefits without allowing it to fully replace the teacher-student relationship.The question of whether AI is a friend or foe in education is complex, but the consensus seems to lean toward AI being a helpful tool when used correctly. However, it’s up to us—teachers, students, and administrators—to decide how we want to shape the future of education. AI can handle tasks like correcting grammar, but only human teachers can provide the empathy and guidance that students truly need.Click here for the full article

Deeper Thinking Questions:

1. What responsibilities should teachers have in guiding students’ use of AI tools?
2. How can we ensure AI enhances rather than diminishes the human element of teaching?
3. What are the limitations of AI in education, and how can we overcome them?

Thank you for tuning in! Stay with us for more exciting research and accessible science in our next Shade Academia newsletter.