TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring opportunities for language immersion in the posthuman spectrum
T2 - lessons learned from digital agents
AU - Lotherington, Heather
AU - Pegrum, Mark
AU - Thumlert, Kurt
AU - Tomin, Brittany
AU - Boreland, Taylor
AU - Pobuda, Tanya
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, Heather Lotherington, Mark Pegrum, Kurt Thumlert, Brittany Tomin, Taylor Boreland and Tanya Pobuda.
PY - 2024/10/1
Y1 - 2024/10/1
N2 - Purpose: Technologically-enhanced language education has shifted from computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), including the use of conversational digital agents, and more recently, towards the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) large language model (LLM) programmes for language learning purposes. This paper aims to explore the interplay between such posthuman communication and posthumanist applied linguistics, and between digital agents and human agency in response to the increasing permeation of AI in life and learning. Design/methodology/approach: A core team of four researchers investigated how digital agents could be leveraged to support immersive target language learning and practice, focusing specifically on the conversational AI that pervaded digitally-mediated communication prior to the release of generative AI. Each researcher engaged in a digital autoethnography using conversational agents found in the digital wilds to learn a target second language via digital immersion. Findings: Through qualitative data analysis of autoethnographic narratives using NVIVO, four key thematic codes characterizing the learning journeys emerged: context, language learning, posthuman engagement and technological parameters. The posthuman learning experiences conflicted with the multisensory, embodied and embedded ethos of posthumanist applied linguistics, indicating that informed human pedagogical agency must crucially be exercised to benefit from the learning potential of posthuman agents. Interactions with conversational agents did provide small-scale, just-in-time learning opportunities, but these fell short of immersive learning. Originality/value: The methodology and findings offer a unique and valuable lens on the language learning potential of emerging LLM-based generative agents that are rapidly infusing conversational practices.
AB - Purpose: Technologically-enhanced language education has shifted from computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), including the use of conversational digital agents, and more recently, towards the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) large language model (LLM) programmes for language learning purposes. This paper aims to explore the interplay between such posthuman communication and posthumanist applied linguistics, and between digital agents and human agency in response to the increasing permeation of AI in life and learning. Design/methodology/approach: A core team of four researchers investigated how digital agents could be leveraged to support immersive target language learning and practice, focusing specifically on the conversational AI that pervaded digitally-mediated communication prior to the release of generative AI. Each researcher engaged in a digital autoethnography using conversational agents found in the digital wilds to learn a target second language via digital immersion. Findings: Through qualitative data analysis of autoethnographic narratives using NVIVO, four key thematic codes characterizing the learning journeys emerged: context, language learning, posthuman engagement and technological parameters. The posthuman learning experiences conflicted with the multisensory, embodied and embedded ethos of posthumanist applied linguistics, indicating that informed human pedagogical agency must crucially be exercised to benefit from the learning potential of posthuman agents. Interactions with conversational agents did provide small-scale, just-in-time learning opportunities, but these fell short of immersive learning. Originality/value: The methodology and findings offer a unique and valuable lens on the language learning potential of emerging LLM-based generative agents that are rapidly infusing conversational practices.
KW - Artificial intelligence (AI)
KW - Conversational AI
KW - Generative AI
KW - Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)
KW - Posthumanist applied linguistics
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85205690101&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/ITSE-02-2024-0038
DO - 10.1108/ITSE-02-2024-0038
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85205690101
SN - 1741-5659
JO - Interactive Technology and Smart Education
JF - Interactive Technology and Smart Education
ER -