The Impact of the Virtual Assistant (Va) on Language Classes

One of the modern times challenges, related to technological developments is the possibility of connecting concepts, such as Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning to the process of teaching foreign languages. Recent studies suggest that machine learning can be equipped with an intelligence, similar to the human one. More specifically, machines can be programmed, trained and developed for self-learning. This way, devices such as Google Home, Alexa or Siri, to mention only three of the most recent developments in the field of VA, can become a teacher's assistant during the language classes, and be able to completely transform the classroom. One of the most time-consuming activity, during language teaching, is the interaction with each individual student. The new artificial intelligence technologies can substitute the teacher, and pair with each student, creating a personal connection with them, helping them improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and can even have a conversation with the student. This way we can talk about an instant trainer, that can become a virtual peer for the student. Another benefit of the virtual assistant involvement in the language classes is the enormous amount of information, that can be accessed online, offering very personalised learning opportunities for the students, can be trained to repeat different parts of the lesson, so that students could benefit from a personalised learning plan. The present study tries to explain the process through which the virtual assistant can be trained in order to fulfil the classroom needs. The final aim is to understand how to train the virtual assistant, so that learners could take control of the learning process. Thus, the communicative method of language teaching and learning, where the student is let to discover concepts and understand grammatical structure will be accomplished in conjunction with the virtual assistant, while the teacher merely guides the class, focusses on the most appropriate assessment and ultimately facilitate the learning process.