Program

Transforming Language Learning with AI: A Deep Dive into Luduan.ai
Van Pelt Library, Class of 1955 Conference Room, Room 241

This workshop introduces Luduan.ai, an AI-powered adaptive learning platform designed to accelerate and enhance language learning and teaching. Currently available in 14 languages and tested by instructors at about 20 universities, Luduan.ai uses Generative AI (GenAI) to optimize language educators' workflows, tailor lessons to individual differences in learning, and deliver instant personalized feedback. Participants will engage in hands-on activities with the platform, exploring its core features on all the four proficiency subskills, including the generation of customized learning materials, speech recognition technology, adaptive quizzes, and engaging language exercises. Additionally, the session will explore best practices for integrating Luduan.ai into both educational settings and personal study routines. A concluding Q&A session will address questions on GenAI and language pedagogy. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of AI-enhanced teaching strategies and will be confident in using Luduan.ai effectively. 

Feng Xiao
Associate Professor of Asian Languages and Literatures, Pomona College
Co-Founder of Luduan.ai

Feng Xiao conducts research on second language (L2) development in various contexts, such as study abroad, with a particular focus on pragmatics (language use in context)—a crucial aspect of human language that generative AI still struggles with, as illustrated by the Chinese Room Argument. In recent years, he has collaborated with students to develop digital tools that address individual differences in language learning and assist instructors in integrating AI strategies into their courses (e.g., Chinese Pronunciation Guide, 2018). Additionally, he is actively involved in the authentication of Chinese cultural artifacts. See full bio.

Welcome Reception
[CANCELED]

Due to the workshop location change to accommodate more participants, the reception has regretfully been canceled.

Check-in, pick up symposium materials, and enjoy some coffee.

Welcome

Event organizers will give opening remarks.

Christina Frei is Executive Director of Language Instruction in the School of Arts & Sciences and Academic Director of Penn Language Center. She specializes in constructivist curriculum design, intercultural communication, and diverse applications of technology for teaching and learning world languages and cultures. Frei co-authored a textbook for introductory/intermediate German language and culture: Augenblicke, German through Film, Media and Texts. See her full bio.

Anne Pomerantz is an applied linguist, language instructor, and teacher educator. She is an expert in the teaching and learning of new languages in classroom and community contexts. At Penn GSE, Dr. Pomerantz directs the Ed.D. specialization in Educational Linguistics and teaches courses on language pedagogy, intercultural communication, and discourse analysis. She works closely with the Penn Language Center to support the dynamic and diverse education community on the Penn campus, including co-convening the annual Penn Language Educators Symposium. Skilled in community-engaged teaching, Dr. Pomerantz mentors university students who work as language educators and ethnographers in immigrant-serving organizations and has developed several academically based service-learning courses. See her full bio.

Practical AI for Educators

In this session, Dr. Mollick will explore AI as a collaborative partner in education, focusing on how educators can work with AI as a co-intelligence to enhance teaching and learning. The session will include a discussion of AI risks and mitigation approaches, and she will demonstrate a variety of approaches for combining human expertise with AI capabilities. Through real-world examples across different AI models, viewers will see practical ways to incorporate these tools into their teaching practice.

Lilach Mollick
Co-Director, Wharton Generative AI Labs

Dr. Lilach Mollick is the Co-Director of the Wharton Generative AI Labs. Her work focuses on the development of pedagogical strategies that include artificial intelligence and interactive methodologies. She has worked with Wharton to develop a wide range of educational tools and games used in classrooms worldwide. She has also written several papers on the uses of AI for teaching and training, and her work on AI has been discussed in publications including The New York Times and Vox. She advises companies and organizations on the advantages and risks of AI in teaching.

Harnessing AI for Multilingual Writing: The Future of Language Education

This presentation will explore how AI-driven tools like Correcto are reshaping the landscape of language education, particularly in multilingual writing environments. Beginning with the origins of Correcto and its mission to provide an AI-powered assistant for Spanish language learners, it will delve into the challenges and opportunities that arise from integrating AI into language teaching.

Through a blend of practical case studies and theoretical insights, the presentation will demonstrate how Correcto has been designed to detect language variations, provide culturally aware tone and style adjustments, and act as a personalized writing coach. Drawing on the concept of mindful vs. mindless products, we will discuss how Correcto engages learners in deeper, more thoughtful language acquisition processes, aligning with Daniel Kahneman's System 2 thinking. This approach fosters critical thinking and promotes long-term retention, which is essential for navigating the complexities of language and culture in today's globalized world.

Attendees will gain insights into how Correcto not only enhances language learning but also bridges the gap between language education and real-world business applications, creating a meaningful impact for students and educators alike. Finally, we will look ahead to Correcto’s future, focusing on expanding its reach and reinforcing the role of AI in promoting more inclusive and accessible language education.

Abraham López Lee
Co-founder & CEO, Correcto

Abraham López Lee, 24, cofounded Madrid-based Correcto in 2021 to democratize access to quality Spanish writing skills. Inspired by studying abroad, López Lee created an AI-powered platform that's akin to Grammarly for Spanish, providing real-time linguistic corrections and improvements, catering to diverse Spanish variations. With over 180,000 downloads, 70,000 monthly active users and a dictionary comprising over a million words, Correcto recently secured $7 million to fuel its Latin American expansion in 2024.

Provided by 12th Street Catering. Click here for the menu.

The 80/20 Principle: Optimization of Language Education in the Era of AI

This presentation will first discuss the development of artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on the rise of large language models since 2017. Following a brief historical overview, I will draw on insights from 90 empirical studies on AI and language learning published between 2004 and 2024 to examine prior research and its pedagogical implications. The presentation will then shift to the future of language learning and teaching, proposing how the 80/20 Principle (Pareto Principle) can be applied to optimize these processes. Specifically, I will discuss how AI can be leveraged to address individual differences in language learning, enhance accessibility, and promote educational equity, paving the way for more personalized and inclusive language learning experiences.

Feng Xiao
Associate Professor of Asian Languages and Literatures, Pomona College
Co-Founder of Luduan.ai

Feng Xiao conducts research on second language (L2) development in various contexts, such as study abroad, with a particular focus on pragmatics (language use in context)—a crucial aspect of human language that generative AI still struggles with, as illustrated by the Chinese Room Argument. In recent years, he has collaborated with students to develop digital tools that address individual differences in language learning and assist instructors in integrating AI strategies into their courses (e.g., Chinese Pronunciation Guide, 2018). Additionally, he is actively involved in the authentication of Chinese cultural artifacts. See full bio.

Panel

Symposium hosts, invited speakers, and Penn faculty will discuss the day's themes and future implications for language learning and teaching. Panelists include Yuko Goto Butler of Penn GSE as well as Rossella Di Rosa and Julia Heim of Penn’s Italian Studies Program.