Discover the importance of hybrid language training in higher education, how AI is transforming learning, and how goFLUENT empowers institutions with innovative solutions.
The higher education sector is undergoing significant change as it adapts to the needs of a new generation of students—Gen Z, who now make up 55% of college enrollees. Having grown up with technology deeply embedded in their lives, Gen Z students are accustomed to constant connectivity, quick access to information, and proactive approaches to shaping their own educational journeys, including language learning.
Hybrid learning, which combines in-person instruction with digital educational platforms, has emerged as the ideal approach to meet Gen Z expectations. At the heart of this model is artificial intelligence (AI), which powers many of these digital tools.
In this article, we will explore how the hybrid model enhances higher education, the role AI plays, and goFLUENT’s hybrid language training solutions that help teachers and students achieve their goals.
First Off, Why is Hybrid Learning Essential in Higher Education?
For teachers, the hybrid model offers a way to deliver more engaging and efficient instruction. According to research by Penn Foster for Organizations, 61% of students value the flexibility hybrid learning offers and 50% like its accessibility.
Hybrid learning offers many advantages:
- It allows schools to shift between in-person and online instruction.
- It opens up opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
- It fosters greater collaboration between teachers and students.
- It saves teachers time completing back-office tasks.
- It allows institutions to scale education programs cost-effectively.
These factors are especially valuable in language training, where flexibility, continuous engagement, and real-time feedback are key to mastering a new language. Hybrid language training allows students to immerse themselves in language practice beyond the classroom, accelerating their progress.
What is the Role of AI in Hybrid Language Training?
Now that we have learned the benefits of hybrid learning, let us look at how AI takes this model to the next level. While hybrid learning offers flexibility and accessibility, AI optimizes the experience for students and teachers alike.
At the core of AI’s impact is personalization, which empowers students to take control of their learning. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education notes, “. . . we are putting forward ideas to direct AI in ways that will augment learners՚ autonomy and expand the pedagogical options available to them, better accommodating their learning needs.”
Platforms powered by AI analyze student performance and adapt content to suit their strengths and learning pace. These platforms are especially beneficial in language learning, where students progress at different rates in acquiring vocabulary, grammar, or speaking skills.
In addition to personalizing content, AI produces immediate feedback on language exercises, allowing students to correct mistakes and refine their skills in real-time. This feedback also serves as a valuable reference for teachers, enabling them to provide each student with tailored guidance.
Beyond enhancing learning, AI also lightens the administrative load for teachers. According to a McKinsey study, they spend around 50 hours per week on lesson planning, reviewing student work, training, and other duties. With AI-powered tools, teachers can free up as much as 13 additional hours to focus on mentoring students.
goFLUENT Solutions for Hybrid Language Training
As institutions look to adopt hybrid learning for language education, goFLUENT offers comprehensive solutions to support students and teachers in this environment.
For students, goFLUENT offers the AI-powered platform Language Academy designed to enhance their language learning experience. Students will find:
- A structured Learning Plan composed of courses and activities designed for their language proficiency level.
- Course Channels containing recommended courses based on their interests.
- AI-powered writing lessons that strengthen their writing skills in their assigned language.
Students can also access their language lessons through the goFLUENT App, enabling learning on the go with smartphones and tablets.
For educators, goFLUENT offers a Client Admin Center, which allows them to simplify their workflows while maintaining control and visibility over their language classes. They can:
- Monitor student activities in real-time and assess their progress.
- Customize learning paths and set deadlines for completion.
- Automate grading, reporting, and other administrative responsibilities.
- Organize and manage different groups of students.
These hybrid language training solutions make language education impactful for students and efficient for teachers.
Embracing the Future of Language Education
As higher education evolves to meet the expectations of Gen Z, hybrid language training has become an essential strategy, offering the flexibility and personalization that today’s students demand.
By embracing hybrid language training, institutions empower both students and educators to thrive in the digital era, laying a strong foundation for how the next generation will learn and teach languages.
