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Generative AI and interaction robot for language learning
In the realm of fictional narratives, authors frequently explore ideas of artificial intelligence seizing control and subjugating humanity. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, the once fantastical concept of a fully capable AGI (artificial general intelligence) is no longer far-fetched. The emergence of accessible generative AI, such as chatGPT, has triggered fundamental changes across various field, including early childhood language education.
Enter Professor Chen Nian-Shing, a pioneer at educational robotics and IoT integrations. He has this exciting idea about a robot helping kids learning languages. This robot combines generative AI and NFC (near-field communication) technology as an interaction learning tool. As a person acquired language through traditional means, professor Chen’s innovative idea is truly mind-boggling.
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Professor Chen present a demo of a robot designed for children language education, featuring a unique blend of physical interaction and digital information as a learning tool. The robot’s distinctive function involves the use of NFC technology, allow users to physically interact with real life object, mimicking the way parents teach vocabulary by showcasing tangible items instead of digital images. However, the demo is still in its early stages. The robot’s digital voice lacks the warmth necessary for language learning standard, and the accuracy in identifying certain robot parts is inconsistent. Moreover, the idea of applying NFC chips to everything in a house to create a cohesive learning environment seems impractical. Perhaps the concept could benefit from incorporating graphical recognition software and combining it with NFC functionality to harness the advantages of both approaches.
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Another noteworthy feature is the incorporation of generative AI to narrate stories for children. The AI could rapidly generate stories with fully colorized images and provide support for multilanguage translations, showcase its limitless creative potential. However, to control the content generate by AI in real time poses a huge obstacle to overcome in the future. The current solution involves manually selecting stories and image appropriate for users to learn. Nevertheless, this manual process negates the advantage bounded by the endless possibilities of generative AI. I believe generative AI should be age restricted or required basic knowledge of language to discern the quality of the content.
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The ingenuity and boundless content delivered by today’s AI are genuinely remarkable, just like in the movie when characters interact with highly capable AIs to solve real-life problems. However, when it comes to controlling AI generative content and delivering a seamless experience for language learning, AI tools and robots are not yet ready to replace human-led language teaching at this stage. Languages cover a broad spectrum, including multiple aspects like vocabulary, grammar, and phonics, and we must handle them with utmost care to prevent confusion among learners, especially children.
