If you missed TIRF’s presentation at the 2025 TESOL Convention, we have good news to share. A slidecast has been created and posted to TIRF’s website and YouTube Channel. Click here to access the recording.

The presentation is entitled “AI and Language Education: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Next.” The abstract for the talk follows here: “Fed up with the GenAI hype? Join TIRF and its partners from global organizations who will share their experiences with AI in English language education. They will discuss the benefits and shortcomings of GenAI in content creation, assessment, and language practice. An interactive audience-led gathering of insights will be included.” The question-and-answer portion of the presentation with attendees at the end of the session is included in the recording.

The presenters of the TIRF session include Dr. Cindy Berger (Duolingo), Mr. Michael Carrier (TIRF Trustee; Highdale Learning), Dr. Larry Davis (ETS); Dr. Evelina Galaczi (TIRF Trustee; Cambridge University Press & Assessment), Dr. Jun Liu (TIRF), and Dr. Debra Suarez (TESOL International Association; Uplifting Teachers, LLC).

Throughout the session, participants were asked to react to various prompts from the presenters via Mentimeter. The results of this engagement with the audience can be downloaded from TIRF’s website by clicking here. Several highlights from the Mentimeter results follow here:

  • Biggest AI affordance: Nearly half (47%) of respondents believe personalization of learning and assessment will bring the greatest value to language education, followed by content creation at speed and scale (39%).
  • Concerns about academic integrity: Most participants are very worried about students using AI tools to cheat, though many indicated they are actively working on solutions.
  • Impact on student engagement: Responses were mixed, with slightly more participants noting that AI increases engagement a little compared to those who said it decreases engagement a little.
  • Overall perception of AI: The majority of respondents expressed a positive view of AI’s role in TESOL education, with fewer holding neutral or negative perceptions.
  • Future of teaching: Respondents overwhelmingly disagreed or strongly disagreed that AI will replace language teachers, affirming the enduring importance of human educators.

We look forward to further engaging our supporters on the topic of AI in the months to come. Finally, we wish to note that TIRF has a number of other presentations and resource videos available to its supporters. Click here to learn more.