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Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Univerzita Hradec Králové (UHK) in the Czech Republic joined forces for a workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Formal Foreign Language Education (FFLE). The event, held from April 16th to April 17th, 2024, at NTNU’s Trondheim campus, aimed to explore the role of AI technologies in language education settings. This workshop is part of a larger project funded by the EHP/Norway 2014–2021 initiative, project number EHP-BFNU-OVNKM-4-257-01-2023.
NTNU’s MRPET research group from the Department of Information Security and Communication Technology (IIK) organized the workshop in collaboration with the Department of Applied Linguistics at UHK. This event builds on the successful partnership established through the previous project EHPBFNUOVNKM-4-198-01-2022, which focused on the utility of emerging technologies in FFLE.
Day 1 Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The workshop kicked off at NTNU’s Gløshaugen Campus with a roundtable introduction where all participants shared their research areas and expertise. This was followed by informal discussions about the current status of the collaboration between NTNU and UHK, as well as potential future projects.
A key highlight of the first day was a presentation by Mikhail Forminykh from NTNU’s Department of Education and Lifelong Learning. He discussed the ARIDLL project, which explores the use of augmented reality in instructional design for foreign language learning. After a coffee break, the group delved into the findings from a study analyzing teachers’ responses to AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in language classrooms in both Norway and the Czech Republic.
The day concluded with a detailed outline of the next steps in the project and a tour of the premises.
Day 2 Exploring New Technologies in Language Education
The second day of the workshop took place at NTNU’s Dragvoll Campus. Participants were given a guided tour of the campus, including a visit to the university’s Virtual Reality (VR) lab. Ekaterina Prasolova-Førland led the tour, showcasing VR-based language learning tools and educational programs currently in development.
The workshop wrapped up with discussions on the next steps, including plans for research papers and remaining project activities.
Moving Forward AI in Formal Foreign Language Education
NTNU and UHK have a well-established collaboration, with each team bringing unique expertise to the table. The UHK team specializes in pedagogy and linguistic issues related to the use of AI in FFLE, while the NTNU team focuses on the technological aspects. Together, they tested the usability of the latest technologies, such as ChatGPT, and conducted an experimental study to assess the effectiveness of AI in foreign language teaching, with a specific focus on teachers.
This collaboration has expanded to include other researchers from both institutions, and the partnership will continue through further research, publications, and project activities.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) NTNU is a public research university located in Trondheim, Norway, and is known for its strong focus on technology, natural science, and interdisciplinary research.
Univerzita Hradec Králové (UHK) UHK is a public university in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, with a strong emphasis on applied research and innovation in various fields, including linguistics and education.
FAQS:
Q: What was the main focus of the workshop?
A: The main focus of the workshop was to explore how AI technologies can be used in formal language education settings, particularly through the use of tools like ChatGPT and VR-based language learning tools.
Q: Which institutions organized the workshop?
A: The workshop was organized by NTNU’s MRPET research group from the Department of Information Security and Communication Technology (IIK) and the Department of Applied Linguistics at Univerzita Hradec Králové (UHK).
Q: What were the key activities on the first day of the workshop?
A: The first day included a roundtable introduction, informal discussions about the partnership, a presentation on the ARIDLL project, and a discussion on findings from a study analyzing teachers’ responses to AI tools.
Q: What did the VR lab tour demonstrate on the second day?
A: The VR lab tour demonstrated VR-based language learning tools and educational programs that are currently under development, led by Ekaterina Prasolova-Førland.
Q: What are the next steps in the project?
A: The next steps include further research, publications, and project activities, with a focus on expanding the research network and continuing the collaboration between NTNU and UHK.