Large language models and artificial intelligence as tools for teaching and learning writing

Cerstin Mahlow

Abstract: Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models (LLMs), have recently generated significant debate. This article explores the impact of these developments on learning to write in a first or second/foreign language, specifically German. We examine the technology behind AI-based tools and the natural language processing (NLP) tasks for which they were originally designed. This will help us identify the possibilities and limitations of their use in the context of language learning. We then examine how this technology can be used effectively in language teaching and learning. In conclusion: the availability of these tools will allow language teaching to focus on the non-mechanical aspects of writing; automatically generated personalized teaching and learning materials will make room for and support human-human interaction.