Artificial Intelligence

Last week, I published an editorial in TESOL Connections where I tried to inject some realism into the hype over so-called “generative AI” in language education. Many professional associations, including TESOL, have been promoting blog posts and workshops that encourage members to experiment with and incorporate these “AI” products in their teaching, and while I acknowledge the good intent behind these events, I wanted in my article to clearly set out the risks of these choices. And let’s be clear, the use of “AI” is a choice not an inevitability or requirement.

One type of response to my argument boils down to this: OK, I see what you mean about copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, bias, environmental impact, deskilling of the teaching profession, plagiarism, and misinformation … but look at all the social benefits AI will bring! As the saying goes, never mind the quality, feel the width.