Vocabulary-first, then build up. Most AR studies target vocabulary with marker-based activities on mobile. Start with object naming and short phrases, then layer AI scoring for pronunciation or short utterances to evidence growth.
Keep cognitive load low. AR can overwhelm if screens are busy or UI is finicky. Limit on-screen elements, keep interfaces simple, and align prompts to one clear goal so assessment remains valid.
Blend with familiar methods. AR should complement, not replace, traditional teaching. Pair an AR scene with a quick transfer task (voice note, two-sentence summary) and teacher moderation to anchor evidence.
Motivation with guardrails. AR often boosts engagement and collaboration, which helps frequent, low-stakes checks. Add clear rubrics and brief reflections to keep the evidence meaningful, not just exciting.
Karaoke timing -> fluency and rhythm. Align a learner’s speech to a reference track the way karaoke apps align lyrics. Score pacing, pausing, and syllable timing to coach natural flow.
Typing tutor telemetry -> writing diagnostics. Use keystroke data common in typing apps (latency, backspaces, revisions) to measure hesitation points, error patterns, and progress in accuracy and speed during short writing tasks.
Phone scanner -> reading checks. Use the same tech your phone uses to scan documents to grab text from a menu or label. The app can then highlight each word as you read aloud, tell you which ones you missed or misread, and offer a quick practice list for those words.
In this video I imagine how one of the most effective applications I have used since my first IPhone 4 could be adapted to support language learning.
A useful starting point is Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), long used in exams like TOEFL and PTE. CAT adjusts question difficulty in real time to pinpoint a learner’s level. With AI, this approach could go further: generating new prompts, giving instant feedback, and combining skills in one adaptive flow.
Traditional proficiency tests (like IELTS or TOEFL) usually give only a final score, often after a long wait, with little detail about what went well or what needs improvement. AI could change this by offering instant micro-feedback, helping learners see their strengths and weaknesses right away. It could also adjust the difficulty of prompts in real time to match the learner’s level. This turns testing from a one-time judgment (assessment of learning) into a continuous guide for growth (assessment for learning).