AI and World Education: What can go WRONG, and what can go RIGHT!

This ACTFL webinar tackles one of the most pressing questions in world language education today: what happens when artificial intelligence enters the language classroom, and how should educators respond? Titled 'AI and World Education: What Can Go Wrong, and What Can Go Right!', the session brings a research-informed, balanced perspective to a topic that is generating both excitement and anxiety across the profession. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is the leading professional organisation for world language educators in the United States, and this webinar reflects their commitment to helping teachers navigate emerging technologies thoughtfully. The session examines both the positive pedagogical impacts of AI in language education — including its potential for personalised practice, content generation, and assessment support — and its significant limitations, particularly around the communicative, cultural, and interpersonal dimensions of language learning that AI cannot replicate. Drawing on current research, the presenters explore how AI tools can complement effective language instruction without replacing the rich, human-centred interactions that define proficiency-oriented teaching. This is essential professional development for any world language teacher trying to make informed decisions about when, how, and whether to integrate AI tools into their practice.