Practitioner notes
What is already known about this topic
- English is one of the most used languages for jobs, markets, tourism, discourse and international connectivity.
- Empirical evidence shows that pupils can often face difficulties when learning English, with challenges such as irregularity in English spelling.
- AI has supported language teaching and learning with studies showing that AI can support language-specific skills.
What this paper adds
- Provides the scholarly community with a unique systematic review in the use of AI in ELT/L across learner levels.
- Identifies affordances of AI in ELT/L in speaking, writing, reading, pedagogy and self-regulation.
- Identifies challenges of AI in ELT/L in technology breakdowns, limited capabilities, fear and standardising language.
- Provides researchers with a review of the field with identification of gaps and future research opportunities.
Implications for practice and/or policy
- Provides practical implications from the findings for educators, policy makers and program designers.
- Highlights the gaps in academic knowledge as a lack in the use of AI for assessment in ELT/L.