Language Institute Generative AI Initiative

Recognizing the potential affordances–and the many potential pitfalls and ethical concerns–posed by generative artificial intelligence to language education and research, the Language Institute is hosting a series of events and other forms of programming to provide a forum for UW–Madison language educators and researchers to critically engage with the affordances of generative AI in the context of language teaching and research. We are not advocating for its use.

Plans in 2026-27 include:

• A non-credit certificate program on AI in World Language Education, hosted by The Ohio State University Center for Languages, Linguistics, and Cultures. Twelve UW–Madison language instructors are participating in this program at no cost.
• A new initiative, Advancing Less Commonly Taught Languages with AI (pending grant funding)
• A demo and info session, An Introduction to ChitterChatter: AI Speaking Practice for Language Instructors, Jadon Geathers, Cornell University, 4:00 pm, Thursday, September 24, 2026, online on Zoom.
• Local co-sponsorship of the International Association for Language Learning Technology Conference (not specifically focused on AI, but will include presentations and possibly workshops on the topic)

In 2025-26, the initiative expanded to include AI and research in language studies:

• A series on generative AI and research in language studies
• A brownbag on October 15, Connect and Share: Experimenting with AI in Language Teaching, for recipients of Spring 2025 instructional awards to share the outcomes of their projects to pilot an instructional activity or develop instructional materials using generative AI

In 2024-25, this initiative focused on AI and language teaching and learning:

• A semester-long non-credit seminar for UW–Madison language educators, Generative AI and the Future of Language Education, based on readings and other assignments, lightning presentations, and guest lectures (Fall 2024)
• An instructional awards program for participants in the Fall 2024 seminar to pilot an instructional activity or develop instructional materials using generative AI, and then to share the outcomes of those projects with other language educators (Fall 2025)
• In Spring 2025:
  • A hands-on workshop, Artificial Intelligence and Universal Design for Learning: Designing Language Learning for All , for UW–Madison+ language educators
  • A brownbag, Generative AI and Writing: A Conversation with Emily Hall, for faculty and students affiliated with the SLA PhD Program and other UW–Madison educators