A Comparative Study of AI-Enhanced Language Labs and AI-Powered Language Learning Platforms: Global Insights in Indian Perspectives

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of language teaching has catalyzed profound changes in the paradigm of language teaching through its multifaceted applications that ensure personalized, dynamic, and interactive learning. This chapter undertakes comparative assessments between two approaches: AI-based language laboratories, such as the Wordsworth Language Lab, and artificial-intelligence-powered learning platforms for languages like Duolingo, Babbel, ELSA Speak, and Rosetta Stone. The comparative assessments are conducted through scrutiny of differences in pedagogic approaches, implementation models, alignment with curriculum, scalability, and localizability, specifically with reference to India's multilingual teaching context. The findings indicate that though self-driven students might take benefits from flexibility and scalability offered by applications-driven, AI-led platforms, institution-driven laboratories excel in structured settings. A blended solution comprising both administrative aspect of institutional laboratories and flexibility offered by applications-driven platforms is proposed as the best solution to maximize results across disparate teaching settings.