Technological advancements in the 21st century mark the fourth industrial revolution, greatly affecting society, especially education. Education 4.0, driven by digital technologies, aims to prepare learners for the modern world. This "disruption era" has introduced the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and notably, artificial intelligence (AI). Though AI's history dates back to the mid-20th century, its use in education and language learning has surged globally, including in Japan. The increasing number of AI-related presentations at major Japanese language teaching conferences, such as JALT International and JALTCALL, highlights this trend. For example, JALTCALL 2024 saw over 75 AI presentations, nearly 50% of all conference presentations.
Japan's second language education can significantly benefit from AI, making now an ideal time for a comprehensive book on the subject. In 2023, AI research in language learning was nascent but has since advanced. Many proposed topics remain underexplored in Japan, making this book a valuable addition.
Opinions on AI are diverse, with benefits for language learning but concerns about misuse, plagiarism, and copyright issues. Japan has enacted various AI policies in education, emphasizing the need for language teachers to understand these debates. A book on AI in the Japanese educational context is thus crucial.
The project will explore AI's history in second language education, its future potential, and practical applications for language teachers. A book focused on AI in Japanese language education is timely and relevant. Additionally, a second volume on the global context of AI in language education is planned. Our expertise as language teachers, experience in linguistic computing, and connections with educators in Japan, Southeast Asia, and EuroCALL position us to produce a significant academic work.