Section 4:  Using AI in a meaningful and responsible way

Anja Häusler (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) & Heike Mersmann-Hoffmann (Universität Münster) & Dr. Sigrid Richter (Universität Paderborn) 

The increasing integration of generative AI into the educational landscape opens up numerous new opportunities, but also complex challenges, for language centres at German universities. A responsible and reflective approach to AI is crucial to ensure the quality and integrity of language teaching (cf. Häusler et al. 2024).

In this conference strand we focus on the following questions:

• How can AI be used to support teaching-learning processes in language learning in an academic context in a meaningful and sustainable way?
• What ethical considerations need to be taken into account when using generative AI, particularly with regard to data protection, institutional frameworks, authorship and fairness?
• How can AI-supported teaching materials and learning environments be developed to foster critical thinking and creativity?
• What are the opportunities and risks of using AI in testing, examinations and assessments (including preparation and feedback)?
• How can teachers and learners be sensitised to a critical and reflective approach to AI technologies in language teaching, and how can their skills be strengthened?

We invite contributions that examine the use of generative AI in the teaching of foreign languages from a variety of perspectives and in a way that is responsible and conducive to learning. We would like to promote the ongoing debate on the opportunities and challenges of AI in the digital age in the spirit of an error-tolerant culture. Together, we would like to develop and openly discuss practical, ethically sound solutions.

The following presentation formats are welcome:

• Talks (25-minute presentations followed by 10 minute-discussions)
• Workshops (40 or 80 minutes; please specify desired duration in your proposal)
• Moderated discussions (40 minutes)

Literature: Häusler, Anja, Heike Mersmann-Hoffmann, Sigrid Richter, Lise Allirand, Karin Bukenberger, Maike Engelhardt, Juana Salas Poblete (2024): Einsatz von KI-Systemen im Fremdsprachenunterricht an Hochschulen – ein Impulspapier. Arbeitskreis Sprachen e.V.                                                                                      https://www.aks-sprachen.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AKS-Impulspapier-FSU-im-Zeitalter-der-KI.pdf