Shaping Multilingual Minds: NAO and Elias in language learning

The world is more interconnected every day. Moreover, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is more than a mere advantage; it's a necessity. Europe, with its rich tapestry of languages, epitomises this diversity. According to the 2023 edition of ‘Key data on teaching languages at school in Europe’, recent data indicates a rising trend in foreign language education across the continent, reflecting its integral role in fostering economic mobility and cultural understanding. 

The European Union strongly advocates for multilingual education, encouraging young learners to master at least two foreign languages in addition to their mother tongue. This policy aims to enhance personal development and prepare students for a globalised job market. In the report mentioned earlier, we can see that over 98% of students are learning English, and increasing numbers are engaging in other languages like French, German, and Spanish,  demonstrating a strong commitment to linguistic proficiency. 

However, this push towards multilingualism presents significant challenges, particularly in resource allocation and teacher training. Schools must adapt to diverse student needs, integrating innovative teaching methods and technologies to make language learning practical and inclusive. 

One might wonder, then, how tools like NAO robots and Elias software could remodel this educational landscape. By incorporating advanced AI and interactive technologies, these tools offer personalised learning experiences, making language acquisition more engaging and accessible for students of varying backgrounds and abilities. As we explore the potential of such technologies, we must consider their ability to address current educational challenges and redefine language learning for future generations. 

Article Highlights:

1. Refashioning Language Learning with NAO: A Humanoid Approach
2. Enhancing Language Learning with Elias: The Interactive Software Companion to NAO
3. elias: The Optimal Solution for Language Learning in Children and a Supportive Tool for Teachers

Refashioning Language Learning with NAO: A Humanoid Approach

NAO stands as a pioneering humanoid robot designed to enhance language learning for young learners significantly. Developed by the United Robotics Group, NAO embodies the cutting-edge of educational robotics, providing a dynamic platform for engaging young minds in language acquisition.

Key Features of NAO

NAO's humanoid design is purpose-built to attract and maintain children's attention, featuring expressive body language and the ability to conduct proactive engagement.
These attributes make NAO not just a teaching tool but a robot as a language teaching assistant.

• Height and Weight: 58 cm tall, weighing 5 kg.
• Mobility and Interaction: 25 degrees of freedom for fluid movement,
  complemented by voice and visual interactions.
• Technical Specifications: Includes Wi-Fi connectivity, touch sensors, and an
  array of cameras and microphones for interactive communication

Real-world Application and Teacher Feedback

NAO's effectiveness is not just theoretical but evidenced in classrooms around the world. Teachers report significant improvements in student engagement and interaction. The humanoid robot supports teaching by delivering content and inspires students, encouraging them to participate actively and confidently.
“There was a boy in the class who had not said a single word during previous English
lessons. Now it is him who wants to be the first to talk to the robot.” Riikka Kolunsarka, Teacher at Tampere, Finland.

Enhancing Language Learning with Elias: The Interactive Software Companion to NAO

Building on the interactive capabilities of NAO, the Elias Robot App further enriches the language learning experience with its diverse range of activities and exercises tailored to both students and teachers. Elias, an advanced language learning software, complements the interactive capabilities of NAO, creating a robust educational tool. This app is designed to transform how languages are taught and learned, making the process enjoyable and effective through human-like interactions with robots. 

Key Features of Elias

Elias is not just about language learning; it's about making learning lively and interactive.
With an array of exercises and activities, Elias turns conventional language lessons into
dynamic, engaging sessions that students look forward to.

• Diverse Exercise Types: The app offers various exercises, including warm-ups
  with songs and games, vocabulary reinforcement, speech practice, and quizzes.
• Speech Recognition and Feedback: Accurate speech recognition allows for
  real-time pronunciation practice, with the robot providing immediate and positive
  feedback to boost learner confidence.
• Adaptive Learning: Exercises within Elias are designed to adapt to the student's
  learning pace, with functionalities like speech speed adjustments and visual aids
  for spelling and pronunciation.

Benefits of Using Elias in the Classroom

While Elias introduces an exciting array of features to captivate students, it also substantially benefits the classroom environment, supporting an inclusive and adaptive learning approach. It enhances the educational experience by providing a platform that supports diverse learning needs and styles. Here’s how it adds value:

1. Interactive and Engaging: By integrating playful elements like dancing and
   singing, Elias makes learning a language less daunting and more fun.
2. Customised Learning Path: The app allows for personalised learning
   experiences, catering to individual student needs, which is particularly beneficial
   in classrooms with diverse learning abilities.
3. Accessibility: Designed to be used without advanced reading or writing skills,
   Elias ensures that language learning is accessible to all students, including those
   with learning disabilities like dyslexia.

Real-World Impact and Accessibility

The real-world application of Elias in educational settings has shown significant
improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes. The app’s design focuses
on inclusivity, ensuring that every student, regardless of their native language or learning
capabilities, can benefit from this technology.

Elias: The Optimal Solution for Language Learning in Children and a Supportive Tool for Teachers

Elias not only transforms individual classrooms but also scales this impact to a broader educational spectrum, addressing the linguistic diversity and resource constraints faced by many schools today.

Transforming Language Education with Elias

NAO, equipped with the Elias Robot App, stands out as an exemplary solution in modern language education, serving both students and teachers. By integrating robotic assistance into the learning process, Elias enriches the classroom environment and enhances the educational experience, making it more effective, enjoyable, and comprehensive.

Empowering Students Through Interactive Learning

Elias is designed to address common challenges in language learning, such as the limited speaking practice in traditional classrooms and the anxiety students often feel about making mistakes. Through various engaging exercises—including vocabulary games, memory tasks, and real-life conversational scenarios—Elias allows students to practice languages in a safe, supportive environment. Each session is crafted to boost confidence, with the robot providing continuous, positive feedback to encourage progress.

• Personalised Pace: Elias adapts to each student's learning speed, promoting a
  tailored educational experience that recognises individual learning curves.
• Multisensory Engagement: The app's diverse activities, from singing to
  dancing, make learning fun and help in memorising and understanding language
  use more effectively.

Streamlining Teachers' Roles

For teachers, Elias turns out to be an invaluable asset by automating the organisation of speaking activities, which are typically time-consuming. This automation allows teachers more time to focus on lesson planning and to provide personalised attention to their students. Teachers can select and customise the learning content based on the specific needs of their classes, or even create their own resources using the Elias Robot lesson editor. 

Efficient Classroom Management: With Elias, teachers can manage and monitor the progress of each student more effectively. The application includes features that track pronunciation accuracy and overall progress through intuitive progress bars. 

Enhanced Interaction and Pedagogy: By fostering a lively and interactive classroom, Elias helps students gain the courage to speak and actively use the new language. Its error-tolerant environment removes the fear of making mistakes, which is crucial for effective language learning. 

Elias and its robotic counterparts, NAO, provide a dynamic and innovative approach to language learning that is suited for today's educational demands. They support a wide range of languages and bring linguistic diversity to schools that might not have the resources to offer such variety. With its user-friendly design and impactful learning strategies, Elias is setting a new standard in educational technology, making it a perfect choice for enhancing language education for children and streamlining teaching processes.