Artificial intelligence (AI) has greatly impacted the language learning processes by offering tools and new techniques that were previously unimaginable. Research (Hockly 2023; Sotomayor Cantos, Varas Giler & Castro Magayanes 2023) shows that AI serves as an important tool in language learning, offering numerous benefits for both educators and learners.

For educators, AI technologies present an opportunity to enrich their existing teaching methods. One of the many factors or aspects that influence the learning process is the learners’ metacognitive skills (Chang & Sun 2024; Zimmerman 2002). Educators can raise the awareness of metacognition and help learners understand how to learn, monitor their progress, and adjust learning strategies as needed. As Hockly (2023) has stated teachers and learners will need to develop to co-exist in a brave new world of educational AI.

Student-centered and self-regulated learning are effective approaches when learning languages

In the student-centered learning (SCL) approach students are placed in the centre. The educator’s role is more of a facilitator aiming to create need-based instructions and a collaborative learning environment that will boost the students’ motivation and increase learning efficiency. Self-instructional learning opportunities enhance their interest, commitment, confidence, and creativity creating a deeper understanding, stronger reasoning, and improved problem-solving skills. (Singh 2011.)

In a time where most of our courses are virtual or online and have short or no educator meetings, it is important for students to develop self-regulated learning skills to create their own learning and take responsibility to regulate their own learning process. These skills allow students to plan, act and reflect independently.

Self-regulated learning is the self-directive process by which learners transform their mental abilities into academic skills, thus being able to take control of their learning by setting goals, planning and self-reflecting. Self-regulation can be taught to significantly improve students’ motivation and achievement in the learning processes.  Self-regulation includes skills like goal setting, self-monitoring, self-awareness and preparedness. (Zimmerman 2002.)

Learning languages and AI tools

Research on learning languages using AI tools highlights the important role AI tools have in providing personalized learning, real-time feedback, adaptability, resource accessibility, and cost-effectiveness (Sotomayor Cantos & al. 2023). Learners have had significant success in acquiring language with tools such as Duolingo, Memrise, Grammarly and others (Sotomayor Cantos & al. 2023; Vo & Nguyen 2021). Tools like speech recognition software help students refine pronunciation, while machine translation and grammar-checking apps can assist in writing tasks.

Learners become independent in their learning and using AI helps them learn more effectively (Srinivasan 2022). Demir (2021) suggests that effective language learning happens when the digital tools are more interactive and supportive, acting like learning partners. Currently, research focuses on using AI for real-time feedback in language education, mainly to support individual learners and assist teachers in classroom interactions and assessments (Chang & Sun 2024).

However, improved resources alone are not enough to ensure students have the digital skills or self-regulated learning abilities needed to use AI effectively and to learn. To maximize the benefits of student-centered AI learning, it is essential to focus on building digital skills, practical application abilities and metacognitive awareness of the learners.

Empowering language learners through AI tools and holistic teaching

The AI tools in language learning offer an enormous potential for language learning. Recently, AI tools are personalized, adaptive, and effective resources that enhance the learning process. However, true success in language acquisition lies in combining technology, the student-centered approach and self-regulated awareness. Educators play a crucial role in equipping learners with essential skills such as metacognition and self-regulated learning, enabling them to take ownership of their learning journey.

By combining student-centered teaching methods with strategies that promote self-regulation, teachers aim towards helping students to become resilient and confident learners. These learners will not only thrive in their immediate language goals but will also develop the lifelong ability to navigate challenges, adjust strategies, and independently regulate their learning process. In this way, the harmonious use of AI and holistic teaching practices can empower students to become healthy, autonomous, and successful language learners.

In this article ChatGPT has been used for language editing purposes.

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