Automatic translation in education is a subject where the speed at which technology is moving makes analysis difficult. Research more than five years old will analyse the impact of a technology that is already obsolete. For example, it may insist that automatic translation tools don’t work, and will report examples of malfunction which are no longer valid. Soon this could be the case with other fields in which artificial intelligence is the main player.
This has various consequences, including:
- Research is going to be difficult. Research needs to build upon previous work to avoid rediscovering realities. But in this case, the giant’s shoulders on which one would wish to build can quickly become obsolete.
- Teachers will need to find ways to stay informed, as the non-linear progress of these technologies could be difficult to follow. Tools that help teachers with this technology, rather than opinions posted on social networks, should be envisaged.
