Erasmus+
The EU ABPLA
Developing the Future of Language Learning
The EU ABPLA (European AI-Based Personal Language Assistant) is an Erasmus+ project exploring how AI can make language learning more accessible, personalised and motivating for adult learners.
The project brings together four language schools: VSKdansk from Denmark, Jazyková škola Zebra from Czech Republic, Vages-Grow from Slovakia and Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen from Belgium. Together, we are developing an AI-based personal language assistant that supports learners with speaking, writing, grammar and pronunciation.
The aim is to develop a solution that gives adult language learners access to personalised language support 24/7, while keeping pedagogy and the needs of learners at the heart of the development.
Meet the ABPLA Team
VSKdansk
Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen
Vages-Grow
Jazyková škola Zebra
Why AI for Language Learning?
Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when learners have different backgrounds, needs and levels of proficiency. Traditional language teaching cannot always provide the individual support learners need – or offer opportunities to practise whenever and wherever they want.
EU ABPLA explores how artificial intelligence can complement language teaching by providing learners with personalised, accessible and continuous support. By combining the strengths of teachers with the possibilities of AI, the project aims to make second language learning more flexible, inclusive and engaging – helping learners build confidence and progress at their own pace.
Understanding the Needs
Before developing the AI tutor, we need to understand the people who will use it.
The project begins by exploring the needs, experiences and challenges of second language learners and educators. We will look at how learners currently study and practise a language, where they need additional support, and how AI can become a meaningful part of their learning journey.
Educators are an essential part of this process. Their knowledge and experience will help us identify where technology can support teaching without replacing the important human connection between teacher and learner.
The insights gathered during this phase will guide the development of a solution that is practical, relevant and centred around real users.
Developing the Solution
Based on the identified needs, we will develop an adaptive AI tutor designed specifically for second language learning.
The tutor will provide personalised support by adapting activities and feedback to each learner’s progress. It will use natural language processing to understand language, speech recognition to support spoken interaction, and tools for pronunciation and grammar feedback.
The aim is not simply to create another digital learning tool. We want to develop a solution that can complement classroom teaching and give learners access to additional practice and guidance whenever they need it.
Throughout the development process, the solution will be continuously refined to make it useful, accessible and easy to integrate into language education.
Learning and Testing Together
The AI tutor will be tested with diverse groups of language learners and educators in real learning environments.
Piloting will allow us to see how learners interact with the technology, how it supports their learning, and where improvements are needed. Their feedback and experiences will be combined with performance data to continuously evaluate and improve the system.
Educators will also receive training to help them understand the technology and use it effectively as part of their teaching.
Testing is therefore not a final step, but an ongoing process. By learning together with users and educators, we can ensure that the AI tutor develops in response to real needs and experiences.
From Project to Practice
The long-term ambition of EU ABPLA is to move beyond the development of a prototype and explore how AI-supported language learning can become part of everyday education.
The project will provide learners with personalised language support that is available around the clock, while giving educators new tools to support their teaching. It will also help build AI literacy among both learners and teachers.
By sharing knowledge, experiences and results, the project aims to contribute to the wider digital transformation of second language education.
Ultimately, EU ABPLA seeks to demonstrate how AI can complement human teaching, reduce barriers to language learning and help migrants and other disadvantaged learners develop the language skills they need to participate fully in education, work and society.
The ABPLA Project Enters Its Next Phase
The EU ABPLA Project Takes Off
Project timeline
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Funded by Erasmus+
The project is funded by Erasmus+, the EU programme supporting education, training and learning across Europe.
The Erasmus+ programme for 2021–2027 has a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and encouraging young people to participate in democratic life.
Erasmus+ supports projects that create new opportunities for learning, innovation and cooperation across Europe. Through the programme, organisations from different European countries can work together, share knowledge and develop new solutions.
With support from Erasmus+, the EU ABPLA partners are exploring how artificial intelligence can support and improve language learning for adult learners.
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