An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Integration in English Teaching and Learning

Yingmei Luo; Diep  Nguyen; Van  Thi Thanh Lai

doi:10.21153/tesol2026vol35no2art2320

Authors

Yingmei Luo Deakin University
Diep Nguyen Deakin University
Van Thi Thanh Lai Hanoi University of Industry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/tesol2026vol35no2art2320

Keywords:

Generative AI; English language teaching; pedagogical innovation; educational challenges, Future implications

Abstract

In Australia, there is a large number of English learners, including EAL/D students in school, adult migrants and international students. This heterogeneous learner population makes English language education a strategically important yet increasing complex sector. The field now faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities arising from the emergence and rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative AI (GenAI), which has fundamentally transformed pedagogical approaches and learning practices. Against this background, this paper aims to provide an overview of AI in English language teaching.

To achieve this, the paper first distinguishes between traditional AI and generative AI. It then describes how AI is applied in education--particularly English language teaching--and introduces common AI tool used in this field. The synchronous, interactive and individualised nature of language learning makes AI particularly valuable in this domain, with research indicating that language learning represents the most dominant field for AI application in education. Therefore, the analysis critically examines the opportunities and challenges AI presents and describes the implications for the future trajectory of English language education. By addressing these dimensions, it contributes to informed discourse on AI integration in English language teaching.

Author Biographies

Yingmei Luo, Deakin University

Yingmei Luo is a Lecturer in TESOL in the School of Education at Deakin University, where she completed her PhD. Her research interests include intercultural English teaching and learning, teacher identity, transnational education, language and culture, and AI applications in English language education.
Diep Nguyen, Deakin University

Diep Nguyen is a Lecturer in the School of Education at Deakin University. She completed her PhD in Education at Deakin in 2021. Diep has worked in higher education since 2006, gaining extensive teaching and research experience across Australian and Vietnamese contexts at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research focuses on teacher capacity building, English-medium instruction (EMI), international education, international student engagement, and the use of artificial intelligence in education.
Van Thi Thanh Lai, Hanoi University of Industry

Van Thi Thanh Lai holds a PhD in TESOL from Monash University, Australia. She is currently a Lecturer in the School of Languages and Tourism at Hanoi University of Industry, Vietnam. Her research interests include intercultural communication and the development of intercultural competence, English language education, teacher professional development, and the use of artificial intelligence in education.