AI Conversation for ELL/ESL

In today's fast-paced world, English language learners (ELLs) and ESL students need more than traditional methods to become fluent. With technology shaping every aspect of life, AI-driven tools are revolutionizing education, particularly in English language teaching and learning. SmartClass by Robotel is leading the way and we have recently added an innovative AI conversation activity to our English curriculum. This game-changing feature allows students to gain a conversation partner in a text, text and speech, or speech conversation—even when teachers or classmates aren't available.

What is AI Conversation in language learning?

AI conversation technology uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversations. For English learners, this means interacting with a virtual conversation partner that responds in real-time, providing learners with immediate feedback and guiding them through natural dialogues. This AI tool is designed to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing students to practice speaking English in a low-pressure environment, which can significantly increase their fluency.

The importance of fluency in language learning

Fluency is one of the most challenging aspects of language acquisition. It requires not just knowing grammar and vocabulary but being able to use them fluidly in conversation. For many ELL and ESL students, limited opportunities to speak English in a natural setting is a common barrier. AI-driven conversations help solve this problem by offering students a virtual conversation partner when the teacher or peers are unavailable. This also allows learners to practice as much as they need to, without fearing making mistakes in front of classmates. 

SmartClass’ new AI Conversation activity

We have taken this a step further by adding a cutting-edge AI conversation feature to our curriculum. The tool was designed to increase students' fluency by simulating real-life dialogues, such as ordering food at a restaurant, shopping for clothes, or discussing family traditions.

This new AI conversation activity is fully integrated into our ELL/ESL lessons, allowing students to practice:

• Speaking: Learners engage in back-and-forth conversations with the AI, working on pronunciation and natural speech patterns.
• Listening: Students also practice active listening, improving their ability to understand spoken English, which is crucial for fluency.
• Writing: The tool offers a writing component, where learners (especially in the lower levels) can write responses to the conversation, practicing spelling and typing before trying it with speaking. 

When students feel hesitant about speaking in front of others or if the teacher isn't available for one-on-one time, this AI tool serves as an instant conversation partner.

Key benefits of SmartClass’ AI Conversation activity

1. 24/7 availability: No need to wait for the teacher or other students—learners can practice whenever and wherever they want.
2. Increased confidence: By practicing with AI, students gain confidence in their speaking abilities without the fear of making mistakes in front of peers or when being at a different level than their classmates.
3. Auto-grading: In our beta version, we have been able to train our activity to also grade the conversation of the students, making it even easier for teachers to review and get the AI feedback, and students to receive a grade! 
4. Immediate feedback: The AI conversation activity is programmed to redirect students and remind them to answer in complete sentences. Students will also get feedback (in English) regarding their performance after the activity. 
5. Personalized learning: The AI conversation can be tailored to the student's proficiency and comfort level with three different modes, allowing for more effective practice.
6. Reviewed and trusted content: Our educational team trained and modified the AI to ensure the questions are level and age-appropriate, on topic, and only review learned vocabulary and grammar. We ensure students stay on task and practice only what they have learned.

The future of AI in English language learning

So far we have added this amazing AI conversation tool to our preexisting curriculum. We don't want it to stop there though. We want to add these activities to our German and Spanish curricula and potentially add an AI tutor that can redirect students, help them with grammar or topic questions, and support them at home when the teacher is unavailable. 

We are also exploring the idea of making the AI conversation a companion that would guide students through scenarios, give them feedback, and correct mistakes while in the conversation and not just at the end. While we never want to replace our valued teachers, we know how hard it can be to correct and support 30+ students in the classroom and our AI companion could take some of that pressure off. 

Conclusion

The integration of AI in English language learning is more than a trend—it’s the future. SmartClass's new AI conversation activity is a powerful tool that addresses many challenges ELL/ESL students face. By providing a flexible, 24/7 learning partner, students can continuously practice speaking, listening, and writing, giving them the tools they need to achieve fluency in English.

For educators and institutions, incorporating AI into the curriculum is a win-win, offering both students and teachers a new way to engage with language learning. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, its role in language education will only grow, and SmartClass is leading the charge.