Pedagogical reflection

If you are considering to do a project like this or even something bigger or better... 

Let us share with you now our takeout of this YA adventure and some humble advice

Here’s a list of 10 tips for English teachers looking to create telecollaborative projects that involve AI for primary school students:

1. Start with Simple AI Tools

• Explanation: Introduce AI through user-friendly tools like chatbots or voice assistants that kids can easily interact with. This helps demystify AI and makes it accessible, allowing students to get comfortable with the technology while practicing English through conversational AI.

2. Integrate AI with Language Learning Objectives

• Explanation: Align AI activities with your language goals. For instance, if you’re focusing on vocabulary, use AI tools to generate word games or quizzes. This ensures the technology supports English learning rather than distracting from it.

3. Collaborate Across Cultures

• Explanation: Pair your class with a group from another country. Use AI translation tools to overcome language barriers, enabling students to practice English and learn about other cultures in real-time through telecollaborative projects.

4. Encourage Creative AI Projects

• Explanation: Have students create simple stories or dialogues using AI tools. For example, they could use an AI-based text generator to co-create stories with peers from another school, fostering creativity and collaborative writing in English.

5. Teach Ethical AI Use

• Explanation: Discuss with students the ethical implications of AI, such as privacy and data usage. Encourage them to think critically about AI, helping them understand responsible use, which is vital as they interact with technology in English and beyond.

6. Use AI for Real-Time Feedback

• Explanation: Implement AI tools that provide instant feedback on language use, such as pronunciation or grammar checkers. This allows students to self-correct and learn more efficiently during telecollaborative tasks.

7. Facilitate Problem-Solving Tasks

• Explanation: Design collaborative tasks where students use AI to solve problems, such as finding information or creating presentations. This teaches them how to apply English in practical, real-world scenarios with AI as a tool.

8. Promote Peer Learning

• Explanation: Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups across different schools, using AI platforms to share their work and learn from each other. This collaborative learning approach enhances their English communication skills and their understanding of AI.

9. Incorporate AI in Assessments

• Explanation: Use AI-driven assessment tools that can analyze language skills and provide personalized feedback. These tools can be integrated into telecollaborative projects, giving teachers insights into students' progress in both English and AI literacy.

10. Reflect on AI Use in English Learning

• Explanation: After each project, have students reflect on how AI helped (or didn’t help) in their learning. This can be done through discussions or journals, helping students critically assess the role of AI in their English education.

10 Things Not to Do When Creating a Telecollaborative Project Using AI:

1. Don’t Overwhelm Students: Avoid using complex AI tools that may confuse or frustrate them.

2. Don’t Ignore Language Goals: Ensure AI activities are integrated with language learning, not just tech exploration.

3. Don’t Skip Ethical Discussions: Don’t overlook the importance of teaching students about ethical AI use.

4. Don’t Over-rely on AI: Balance AI use with traditional teaching methods and human interaction.

5. Don’t Neglect Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences when collaborating internationally.

6. Don’t Forget to Monitor Progress: Regularly check in on students’ understanding and progress with AI tools.

7. Don’t Assume AI is Error-Free: Always cross-check AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness.

8. Don’t Isolate Students: Ensure that telecollaborative activities encourage communication and teamwork.

9. Don’t Ignore Technical Issues: Prepare for and troubleshoot potential tech problems in advance.

10. Don’t Avoid Feedback: Regularly seek and act on feedback from students and other teachers involved.