Major changes
René Vermeulen has been Foreign Languages manager at In'to Languages since 2019. In this role, he deals with course offerings, market demand and trends in language teaching. “We try to be as responsive as possible to what people need,” he says. During the pandemic, for example, that meant quickly switching to online teaching – which has since become a permanent feature in In'to's offerings.
Now a new development is emerging: the meteoric rise of AI and all kinds of smart self-study tools. According to René, this means we are once again at the beginning of a major change. “The possibilities are multiplying by the day. Learning words and phrases through play has long been possible with apps like Duolingo, but now there are also increasingly better options for practising speaking skills, for example. And a lot is also happening in the field of translation technology: there are already earbuds on the market that translate live conversations. If such technology becomes widely available, you will basically never again have to learn a language in order to communicate.”
The power of human contact
Will these new technologies and methods make traditional language teaching disappear? René doesn't think so: “I think the need for human contact is too great for that. If you use this kind of earbud to have a conversation you never really make contact, because all communication goes through a tool. In a business context, that might be fine to some extent, but for many other situations, it seems too clinical to me.”
I believe the teacher plays an essential role in good language teaching. Not just for content, but mainly to convey enthusiasm for the language.
He also sees apps and AI tutors as a great addition to existing language teaching, rather than a replacement: “I believe the teacher plays an essential role in good language teaching. Not just for content, but mainly to convey enthusiasm for the language. That is a great stimulant, as I also hear from course participants. A language is not something you learn overnight; it takes dedication. Many people who use self-study tools eventually give it up because they don't have the extra incentive. An inspired teacher is the best motivation to put time into learning, into homework. The teacher not only gives you knowledge and skills, but also a love for the language and culture.”
The language course of the future
René does expect the way we learn languages to change, also at In'to. In the context of an innovation team, he is exploring what the ‘language course of the future’ could look like. “We are exploring this not only with language teachers, but also deliberately with colleagues from other departments. The diverse backgrounds ensure that we do not get stuck in the same thinking patterns and allow us to come up with surprising insights and ideas. We don't know exactly which way things will go yet, but I can imagine course participants will learn more independently using AI tools, which will allow them to practise more speaking skills with an app, for example. The teacher will then have a more coaching role and live classes will focus even more on interaction and depth. Course participants will come together to discuss and practice what they have learned and to share experiences.”
The best of both worlds
Right now, In'to is experimenting with lots of different ways of renewing education. In tailor-made courses, teachers are already using AI to personalise course materials: “For example, with AI we can more easily generate glossaries or lesson plans for specific situations, allowing us to respond even better and faster to the course participants' wants and needs. The teacher remains very important in this process: they are responsible for checking the AI output and safeguarding our quality. That is how we ensure that AI really adds value for both the customer and teacher.”
To monitor developments and assess ideas, In'to is also actively seeking contact with experts outside the organisation. “Especially when it comes to AI, this is important. We have expertise in language and communication, but when it comes to AI, we are continuously learning new things.”
I think people will always enjoy learning with other people – maybe that need will even get stronger.
At the same time, In'to wants to remain committed to what technology cannot replace: personal interaction and togetherness. “We want to offer the best of both worlds,” says René. “We will definitely further integrate AI into our teaching, but we will also emphasise the human aspect. I think people will always enjoy learning with other people – maybe that need is even getting stronger. That social context offers so much more than the language class per se: it is also about sharing experiences and learning from and with each other. These are things that are hard to get when you learn on your own with an app. Plus, language teaching with a teacher provides structure. You know you are going through a logical trajectory and making progress.”
An enriching experience
Finally, René has a personal message for language learners: “Especially at a time when the world is becoming more individualistic and there are many uncertainties, learning a language in a group is particularly valuable. It is not only useful, but also just incredibly fun to work towards something together with like-minded people. And language learning is also good for your brain; it keeps it active and healthy. But most of all, it enriches your outlook. You learn a language, but you also get to know other people and different perspectives. That is perhaps the best thing about it.”
