In the ever-evolving landscape of education, integrating technology into teaching is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality. Recently, I had the opportunity to present the theme of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching Italian as a foreign language to the elementary school teachers of Split-Dalmatia County. I was invited to speak by Vedrana Šitić, professor advisor and Head of the Association for Teachers of the Italian Language of Split-Dalmatia County, at the professional gathering held on August 29, 2024, at OŠ Ravne njive – Neslanovac in Split, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate. The discussion highlighted both the possibilities and the challenges of incorporating AI in language learning, particularly in balancing the benefits of technology with the need to nurture pupils as social beings.
AI as a Tool for Language Learning
AI, especially tools like large language models (LLMs), offers new dimensions to language education. One of the most compelling benefits is its capacity to provide real-time conversational practice, allowing students to engage with the Italian language outside the traditional classroom setting. This has the potential to address one of the key challenges in language learning: limited opportunities for practice. With AI, students can engage in conversations at home, receiving instant feedback and developing their linguistic skills without needing a physical partner.
For example, AI-driven applications can simulate conversations with native speakers, offer personalized learning pathways, and adapt to the user’s proficiency level, making it an accessible and efficient tool for both teachers and learners. In essence, AI extends the classroom beyond its physical boundaries, giving learners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language at their own pace and time.
The Montessori Legacy: Connecting Concepts Over Details
Despite the advantages AI brings, it’s essential to remain mindful of the pedagogical principles that have stood the test of time. Maria Montessori, a pioneer in education, advocated for teaching that emphasizes understanding through connection rather than focusing on excessive detail. This principle remains relevant, even as we integrate modern technology like AI into our classrooms.
Instead of overwhelming students with isolated information or mechanical exercises, we should encourage the use of AI to create meaningful, interconnected learning experiences. For example, AI can be used to reinforce thematic learning, where vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills are tied to broader cultural or social contexts. This mirrors Montessori’s philosophy, where students grasp concepts by relating them to real-life scenarios rather than rote memorization.
Technology as Both a Tool and a Distraction
While the possibilities of AI are exciting, the technology can also become a distraction if not managed carefully. In classrooms, where the teacher’s presence and guidance are essential, AI could potentially shift focus away from interpersonal interaction. The risk of students passively relying on technology or getting distracted by unrelated digital content is a concern that educators must address.
It is crucial to strike a balance between using AI as an assistant in the learning process and ensuring that students remain engaged in the social dynamics of the classroom. Language learning is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s about developing the ability to communicate, collaborate, and understand others. These skills are inherently social and cannot be fully developed in isolation, no matter how advanced the technology becomes.
AI and Ethics: Navigating the Fine Line Between Learning and Cheating
One of the major points of discussion was the ethical aspect of AI in education. Like any tool, AI can be misused. With LLMs capable of generating text with ease, there is a legitimate concern about students using AI to cheat on assignments and exams. This raises questions about authenticity and the integrity of learning outcomes.
As educators, it is our responsibility to teach students the ethical use of technology. Just as calculators are tools for solving mathematical problems but not for bypassing understanding, AI should be framed as a tool for enhancing learning, not a shortcut to avoid genuine effort. Setting clear guidelines, creating assessments that value process over product, and fostering a classroom culture that values integrity are all essential steps in addressing this challenge.
Shaping the Future of Learning
At the end of the day, AI is simply a tool, much like the blackboard or the textbook, and it is up to us, as educators and society, to decide how to use it.
Will it be a means to enrich our teaching practices, allowing us to create more dynamic, engaging, and individualized learning experiences? Or will it become another distraction, distancing students from the human elements of education?
The answer lies in how we choose to incorporate AI into our teaching methods. By using AI thoughtfully and ethically, we can harness its power to expand both our knowledge and didactic practices. At the same time, we must continue to emphasize the development of pupils as social beings, capable of communicating, empathizing, and interacting with the world around them. After all, the ultimate goal of education is not just to impart knowledge but to help students become well-rounded individuals prepared for life in a global society.
As we look to the future, one thing is clear: technology, including AI, will play a central role in shaping how we teach and learn. It is up to us to ensure that we use this technology in ways that enrich rather than hinder the educational experience.
By keeping this balance in mind, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in teaching Italian as a foreign language, creating a future where technology enhances, rather than detracts from, the human connection that lies at the heart of education.
