Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm. Developers are creating solutions for everyday problems using technology. English Language Learners can now use the mobile app ELSA to improve their pronunciation. This technology allows the users to go through over a thousand lessons using ELSA, and practice speaking.
So far, four million users around the world have used ELSA to improve their English pronunciation. In the next few years, they would like to add an additional focus on speed and intonation of speech. With new funding from a Google venture fund, they will be able to do just that.
"Elsa claims its speech recognition technology can detect English pronunciation mistakes with 95 percent accuracy. " EdSurgeAn interview with Vu Van, the CEO and co-founder of ELSA, revealed that the creation of ELSA was based on her personal journey of being an English Language Learner. She describes in the interview that she understood the grammar, vocabulary and usage of English, however people had difficulty understanding her when she spoke. This caused her to be dismissed in academic situations as well as in her career, so Van began work on a solution. Speech Therapists can be very costly for adults, so the Artificial Intelligence behind of ELSA mimics that job. Some feedback you may receive when speaking to ELSA is, "Your tongue is too high," or "place more emphasis on this syllable."
Source: iTunes
So far, four million users around the world have used ELSA to improve their English pronunciation. In the next few years, they would like to add an additional focus on speed and intonation of speech. With new funding from a Google venture fund, they will be able to do just that.
What a neat app for the English Learners! I have never heard of this before your blog post, but man this could be very helpful in the classroom. Our school has a high level of EL students that come in and out of our area. This is a tool that could easily be used in the classroom and translate to home use. I cannot wait to try this!
ReplyDeleteHow great! Never heard of this, but this is incredible! So far, connecting and communicating through our blogging has given me so much valuable information that can be used in the classroom. The CEO's story of why she created this wonderful app is a prime example of why the older traditions and approaches of teaching language learners does not work, and how it can truly affect learners' lives. This app is another example of an inclusive method of supporting language learners, even better that it cuts the cost of needing a Speech Therapist. Thank you for sharing!
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