Learn new languages in video calls with AI characters

Target Audience

Students, educators, language learners

Challenge

Traditional language learning lacked real conversation practice. Learners need immersive experiences to build speaking confidence, but scripted conversations were limited. Duolingo needed the ability to converse with learners about specific topics rather than just generic scenarios like ordering food.

Solution Approach

Duolingo partnered with OpenAI to integrate GPT-4 into Video Call and Roleplay features. Human curriculum experts write scenarios and backstories, then train the AI model. The system uses deep learning to optimize lesson sequencing through 'spaced repetition.'

Value Add

The AI-powered approach enabled Duolingo to create 148 new language courses in one year — effectively doubling their content library (compared to 12 years for their first 100 courses).

How to Apply This

Compared to humans, AI-based solutions are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Further on, modern generative AI solutions have mastered the human language, so that these pose the perfect sparing partner for individualized trainings. While this use case shows a scenario for language training, you can think of other scenarios in your company. Do you have compliance trainings which need to be taken annually? Do you have job roles where a lot of new employees need to be onboarded, and sharing the relevant knowledge is time-consuming? Or do you want to provide a convenient way for upskilling your employees with new knowledge? For whichever context is relevant to you - leveraging AI with roleplay features can be powerful. But you do not need to rely on the latest AI models from leading Tech companies, like OpenAI, Google or Anthropic. If you are clear on your needs and expectations, you can perfectly optimize smaller and cheaper AI models to your individual needs

Want to explore options to leverage AI models and roleplays for training? Reach out to me and we explore them in a free 30-minute feasibility call.