The ABPLA Project Enters Its Next Phase
Since the launch of the Erasmus+ project The EU ABPLA, we have been working intensively to establish a solid foundation for the development of an AI-based learning assistant for adult language learners.
Mapping the Needs
The project’s first major milestone has been a comprehensive needs analysis, in which learners, teachers and experts from all partner countries have contributed their experiences, wishes and perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence in language teaching.
Learners have shared how they already use AI in their everyday lives for translation, text comprehension and help writing messages. At the same time, teachers have highlighted the great potential of AI as a tool for differentiated teaching, while emphasising that the technology should support the learning process rather than replace it.
Key Recommendations from the Experts
The expert interviews have identified a number of shared principles for the further development of the solution. It should be pedagogically well-founded, easy to use and based on real-life learning situations. At the same time, it should be accessible to adults with different linguistic, digital and educational backgrounds.
The experts have also highlighted the importance of data security, sustainability and making use of existing AI technologies rather than developing new models from scratch.
From Analysis to Ideation
In May, all project partners met again, this time at Jazyková škola Zebra in Chrudim, Czech Republic, for a joint project meeting and a Design Thinking workshop. Here, the findings from the needs analysis were transformed into the first ideas and concrete solutions.
Based on the users’ needs, we worked with user journeys, concept development and the features that can create the greatest value for both learners and teachers.
Next Steps
The workshop marked the transition from analysis to development and gave the project a shared direction for the work ahead. The insights gathered over the past months are now being transformed into the first prototypes and design concepts, which will form the basis for developing the final learning assistant.
In the coming period, work will continue on the design, development and testing of the solution in close collaboration with users. The goal is to develop an AI assistant that can make language learning more flexible, motivating and accessible, while supporting both learners and teachers in their everyday learning and teaching.