The Rise of AI in language education

a game changer for teaching English as a foreign language in Ecuador

Abstract

This paper discusses the rise of AI in language teaching and its impact on the teaching of English as a foreign
language in Ecuador. The author shares his experience as an EFL teacher in an international graduate program and
highlights the importance of critical thinking and higher order thinking in language learning. The use of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in the classroom is explored, as well as potential benefits and limitations. It also creates an insightful exploration through technical concepts that entail the meaning of a generative AI and its ramifications until today. The author emphasizes the need for well-trained teachers who can adapt and innovate with technology to provide meaningful learning experiences for students. The author explores in depth how teaching English in Ecuador has presented constraints to overcome in order to accomplish a well understanding of how it is actually learnt by the citizens and how AI couldaid that task. The paper raises questions about the future of education and the role of teachers in an AI-driven world. It concludes by highlighting the potential of AI to dramatically enhance teaching and learning experiences, but also highlights the importance of using AI tools effectively and ensuring that they align with student needs and course objectives.
The paper highlights that AI can make teaching more efficient and effective, but Teachers are not interchangeable. The use of AI in language education is still in its infancy in Ecuador, but promising initiatives are being developed, with the potential to equalize all students and improve the quality of education.