AI for Learning: English Coach AI
CEO Carla Wyburn on how English Coach AI are rethinking language learning.
In the first of a new series exploring practical applications of AI for learning, Marion talks to English Coach CEO and EdTech Fellowship community member Carla Wyburn about how her startup English Coach AI is pushing the boundaries of language learning.
Carla Wyburn is a seasoned operator in language learning. Before taking on the role as CEO at English Coach AI to pioneer how AI can enhance language learning, she was Director of Operations for The British Council’s English Online business. English Coach also partners with Oxford University Press for content.
Carla shares how her start up is using AI to streamlined product development, accelerated content creation and rethink what is possible with language learning.
AI-Enhanced Learning Experiences
One of the most significant AI applications at English Coach AI is the use of chatbots for role-playing exercises.
As Carla explains, "The way that worked initially was that students would do role plays between each other. We realised this was a great use case for AI. You're asking the student to have a certain kind of character and to put them to be someone, and then you've instructed the chatbot to play the opposite role."
For example, in a job interview scenario, the chatbot acts as the interviewer, providing a realistic environment for students to practise speaking and receive real-time feedback.
In addition to role-playing, the "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) feature allows students to inquire about any English-related topic.
Carla highlights its versatility: "It's more like it will help you with your English. So you can ask them any question, and it will answer it. For example, how do you say this in English? Or what's the difference between there and their?" This feature is particularly beneficial for learners seeking immediate clarification on various language aspects.
Pronunciation assessment is another area where AI tools have been effectively integrated. "We give the student a model of what they're supposed to say and how it sounds when you say it," Carla explains.
The AI compares the student's pronunciation to the model, highlighting any discrepancies and allowing learners to listen to both the model and their own attempts. This feedback loop helps students refine their pronunciation skills - and this across different English dialects. “Our goal is not that learners fit to a single language standard but rather to offer an intercultural learning dimension so that it serves their local purposes” clarifies Carla.
Accelerating Content Creation for Learning Designers
Carla’s vision for English Coach AI extends beyond improving learner outcomes; it also focuses on enhancing the efficiency of content creation for learning designers.
"We have a template for a challenge. So we know a challenge will have a typical series of slides that are relevant for our learning objectives, and therefore can replicate it quickly" Carla elaborates. This templated approach allows for rapid iteration and adaptation, enabling quick customization for different learning contexts.
In a recent project for a tourism company, Carla's team used AI to tailor content specifically for housekeeping staff. "We came up with a template that works for the kind of language that the employees are going to need. We used it once as standard and then replicated it over and over again with slightly different contexts," she explains.
For instance, if the standard is about entering the hotel room, the AI was able to create similar scenarios about exiting the room, or entering while the customer was there, each with relevant language practice.
AI also plays a crucial role in integrating contextually relevant visuals. "For example, the student works at x hotel, and the visuals to do with those topics... are actually the visuals of the hotel they work in," Carla notes. This level of personalisation enhances the learning experience, making it more engaging and relevant for the learners.
Broader Product Growth and Innovation
Carla’s forward-thinking approach is not just about current applications but also about future growth.
By leveraging AI, English Coach AI is expanding its offerings to include new languages and broader educational applications. "We are now turning into an app that has that's gonna be able to teach different languages," Carla says, highlighting the platform's expanding capabilities.
Assessment is another area poised for innovation. "We're working on something that can test somebody's level on international standards" Carla mentions. These tools will be able to evaluate student interactions with chatbots, providing detailed performance summaries that can be used by HR departments or educational institutions.
Main take-aways
Integrate AI for Dynamic Learning: Utilise AI-driven chatbots for interactive and immersive learning experiences. Role-playing scenarios and AMA features can provide real-time feedback and personalised learning opportunities.
Template-Based Content Creation: Develop templates for different learning contexts to streamline content creation. This approach allows for rapid iteration and customisation, saving time and resources.
Contextual Personalisation: Leverage AI to integrate contextually relevant visuals and scenarios, enhancing the learner’s engagement and relatability to the content.
Scalable Solutions: Use AI to scale up content production efficiently. Templates can be quickly adapted to various industries and learning needs, ensuring broad applicability.
Carla’s innovative use of AI at English Coach AI exemplifies how technology can transform educational practices. By enhancing learner engagement, streamlining content creation, and expanding product offerings, English Coach AI is setting a new standard for language learning solutions.
This case study features in Marion’s programme Designing Learning in the AI Era. The next cohort starts on 7 October.