Exploring the Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence for the Design of Language Learning and Assessment Tasks

Abstract

The artificial intelligence-based tools are currently used by professionals in various fields. The article analyzes the potential of a specialized platform and a chatbot for creating learning and assessment tasks in foreign languages. The object of the study was the wording of close and open-ended assignments, as well as language and textual material included in the assignments. Although the analyzed tools coped with task creation, their potential was limited. The multiple-choice tasks were one-size-fits-all and did not involve in-depth text analysis. Although the created language material represented competent authentic contexts, it needed to be improved, as did the wording of the tasks. As for the open-ended tasks, the chatbot turned out to be more versatile than a specialized platform: unlike the platform, it successfully coped with the formulation of essay topics of various types, as well as complex creative tasks. At the same time, the chatbot required a wellconsidered and well-formulated request and precise instructions. Thus, tools based on artificial intelligence can help a foreign language teacher to create assignments, but their quality will be determined by the methodological literacy of the tasks set by the teacher and the finalization of materials.