Picture this: a student who speaks little English walks into your classroom. They are excited but unsure. They listen carefully but sometimes miss key instructions. They want to participate but don’t know how to find the words. As teachers, we’ve all had moments where we wished we could provide instant, personalized support in every language, at every moment. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are closer to making that wish a reality.
In this post, I’ll explore how AI can reshape English Language Learner (ELL) instruction by offering targeted language support, real-time feedback, and new ways for students to build confidence. You’ll walk away with AI-powered tools, practical activities, and important considerations to keep in mind as we integrate these innovations into our teaching.
Why AI Deserves Our Attention for ELLs
Technology already plays a big role in classrooms, but AI is different.It can process language, adjust to individual student needs, and offer interactive experiences that traditional apps cannot provide. AI has the potential to:
Level the playing field by providing instant language scaffolds
Create space for independent learning and risk-taking
Offer multi-language support without teacher delay
Give real-time, personalized feedback that builds student agency
For ELLs who are often waiting for clarification or hesitant to speak,AI can act as a supportive, discreet, and readily available learning companion.
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| (Smartprix Bytes, n.d.) |
The Everyday Power of AI: Tools that Make a Difference
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| (Text Speech AI, 2022) |
1. NaturalReader: Personalized Listening Support
NaturalReader is a free, AI-powered text-to-speech tool that reads any text aloud with natural-sounding voices. ELLs can paste in class assignments, instructions, or web content and hear it read back in real-time.
Classroom Activity:When students encounter difficult reading passages, they can upload the text to NaturalReader and listen as they follow along. Encourage them to replay sections or adjust the speed for better comprehension.
Listening support gives ELLs control over their learning pace and reduces dependency on the teacher.
2. ELSA Speak: Pronunciation Coach
ELSA (English Language Speech Assistant) provides instant feedback on pronunciation and fluency. It listens to student speech, highlights errors, and provides corrective practice.
Classroom Activity:
Create a weekly “speech goal” where students practice saying specific academic sentences using ELSA. Track their progress through the app’s feedback system.
ELLs can practice as many times as they want, at their own comfort level, building speaking confidence.
3. Grammarly: Real-Time Writing Feedback
Grammarly’s AI grammar checker provides instant suggestions for sentence clarity, word choice, and correctness. It can flag errors and explain why corrections are needed.
Classroom Activity:
Set up a writing station with Grammarly. Students can type their drafts and revise based on the feedback. Host small group conferences to discuss common errors Grammarly identifies.
Why It Works:
Grammarly gives students instant feedback, helping them notice and correct their own mistakes. It builds independence and supports language growth
Microsoft Translator allows real-time translation in multiple languages. Teachers and students can have side-by-side conversations in English and their home language.
Classroom Activity:
During collaborative group work, use Microsoft Translator to help new ELLs engage with peers who may not speak their language. It can also be used for family engagement events to support multilingual participation.
It bridges communication gaps immediately and helps students feel seen and included.
(University of Michigan, Electrical & Computer Engineering, 2021)
Ethical and Practical Considerations
While AI offers exciting possibilities, we must approach it thoughtfully:
Equity: Not all students may have equal access to devices or Wi-Fi. Plan classroom use carefully to avoid creating gaps.
Accuracy: AI translations are not perfect. Teachers should guide students to use AI as support, not as the sole authority.
Privacy: Always review privacy policies and ensure tools align with district guidelines.
Teachers must also remember that AI enhances but never replaces the critical role of personal interaction, scaffolding, and relationship-building in language learning.
Linking AI to Real Life
Today’s students already interact with AI outside of school through voice assistants, language apps, and translation features on social media. Bringing these familiar tools into the classroom makes learning more relevant and meaningful. When ELLs see that their home languages, their cultures, and their learning needs are supported through technology, they are more likely to engage, participate, and succeed.
Resources for Integrating AI with ELLs
"How AI is Transforming English Language Learning"
Practical insights into using AI for scaffolding, assessment, and feedback in ESL classrooms.
Getting Smart: AI and ELL Equity Articles
Explores how AI can support equity and access for English learners.
TESOL International Association: AI in TESOL Resources
Offers webinars, articles, and practical tools on AI in English language teaching.
Join the Conversation
I’m continually exploring and learning how to use AI responsibly and effectively with my ELL students. I would love to hear what other teachers are trying. What AI tools do you like? What’s been tricky? How can we make sure AI helps all our students fairly? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments. I’m excited to learn from you!
Thank you for this thoughtful post! As a third-grade teacher, I see how AI tools like NaturalReader, ELSA Speak, Grammarly, and Microsoft Translator could be game-changers for our English Language Learners. Even young students benefit from personalized listening support and real-time feedback that builds confidence and independence, just like you described. Using NaturalReader to help students follow along with reading or Grammarly to guide writing corrections could really empower them to take ownership of their learning.
ReplyDeleteTo make AI truly fair and effective, I believe we need to combine thoughtful, intentional lesson design (like your “lifelines” idea) with ongoing reflection on how tools impact all learners. Integrating AI in ways that respect students’ cultures and languages helps build confidence and engagement something I see as essential for meaningful learning. I’m looking forward to hearing how others are using AI to empower their students while keeping these important considerations in mind!
I must admit that using AI to support English language learners is something I have to improve on. As a Latina art teacher who is still working toward Spanish fluency, I worked so hard to support the many Spanish-speaking students I had. We had fun with it because I was learning how to perfect my Spanish as they were perfecting their English. There were many laughs as we utilized the tools we had to make learning more accessible. These tools make me smile though! Had I known about these specific tools, I do believe our experience could have been that much easier. Thank you for sharing!
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