AI and the Future of Language Teaching

The November 2022 release of ChatGPT revolutionized the accessibility, perception, and use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). In this position paper, we argue that a major goal of currently-practicing language teachers should be to acquire relevant knowledge and skills in GenAI, with teacher educators, professional organizations, and language programs co-responsible in that effort. As necessary background, we describe the history and current state of AI in language teaching, especially as it relates to GenAI. Then, drawing on recent research and in-service training sources, we offer guidance for practicing teachers at all stages of their careers to achieve a basic understanding of and facility with GenAI in a range of forms relevant for language teaching and learning. We propose that teachers engage in a targeted form of continuous professional development, GenAI sustained integrated professional development (SIPD), to accommodate the rapid, unpredictable, and likely transformative changes in GenAI for language education.