What is it about?

This study looks at how well artificial intelligence (AI) helps people learn English as a foreign language. The results show that AI works well on teaching vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. We specifically found the following: (1) AI works better when used in person or in blended classrooms than in online classes; (2) AI helps younger K-12 students the most; (3) AI works about the same on different platforms, so how it is used matters more than the tool itself; (4) AI helps students complete tasks but does not help them develop habits; and (5) AI is best used alongside traditional teaching, not as a replacement. AI works the least in online settings due to the "technology saturation effect," which is a theory that introducing AI in an already technology-filled setting does not introduce novelty or entice enough attention to reduce mental effort.

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Why is it important?

Understanding how AI helps people learn English is important because it can improve teaching and learning. AI tools can make learning faster and more fun, especially for young students. Knowing when and how AI works best helps teachers use it in the right way. This can lead to better learning results and help more people succeed in learning English, which is a valuable skill for school, work, and life.

Perspectives

This study offers valuable insights into the role of AI in learning English, showing that AI can be a helpful tool, especially for younger students and in blended learning environments. However, it also highlights that AI should not replace traditional teaching but support it. The findings remind us that technology alone is not enough; how teachers use AI and the learning context are key to success. This perspective encourages educators to thoughtfully integrate AI to enhance learning without losing the human connection that is essential in education.

Dr. Peter Joseph Torres
Arizona State University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Language Teaching, Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence, December 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100522.
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