Incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Gamification in EFL Education: Strategies for Enhancing Teaching and Learning Outcomes of EFL Teachers.

Abstract

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction plays a crucial role in language acquisition, which has become an essential tool for global communication, education, and employment opportunities. The rising demand for EFL education, coupled with the challenge of delivering high-quality education to a large number of students necessitates exploring impactful practices within bilingual learning environments. This project proposes a vision where educators leverage teaching strategies complemented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and gamification, enabling students to forge a meaningful learning experience. The type of study proposed is an exploratory case study with a qualitative approach in which data is collected through surveys, online training sessions, and class observation from EFL teachers who belong to different educational contexts and levels, and who can be considered as proper representation of English teachers in Colombia. The analysis of the data collected shows the different opinions and insights teachers in Colombia have about the integration of AI-gamified tools in BLEs, the opportunities and limitations the application of these technologies signify, the big influence these apps pose on students’ motivation and engagement, and finally a leverage in teachers’ professional development and their pedagogical practices. Technologies curriculum alignment and evaluation updating are some recommendations.