CAREER: Self-Directed Human-LLM Coordination for Language Learning and Information Seeking
Effective seeking of information is a crucial aspect of daily life that relies heavily on language skills. In societies with a diverse population, many people are not proficient in the majority language. People with less majority-language proficiency face challenges communicating their needs in daily activities such as medical consultations, discussing workplace benefits with employers, exploring housing, and others. A typical solution pairs these individuals with professional interpreters or bilingual volunteers. Such support is often expensive and unsustainable. To fill the gap, this project will develop innovative tools based on AI large language models (LLMs) to help people advance their language abilities for effective information seeking.
Users without technical expertise in computers or AI will be guided to design their own personalized tutoring systems. The resulting digital tutor will assist its user in creating learning plans, practicing strategies, and tracking their progress in advancing their language proficiency. The study will generate rich data, metrics, and benchmarks for language learning for real-life information-seeking practices. The project will advance the science of human-computer interaction, language science and education, and natural language processing. The process of designing and using their own digital tutor will increase users’ understanding of AI (AI literacy), and both the power and limitations of LLMs.
Duration:
08/01/2025 - 07/31/2026
Project Website:
https://www.highergov.com/grant/2443387/#add_detail
Total Award Amount:
$591,098.00