Studying English with Online Lectures? ... AI That Helps Speaking Is Rising

English Study for 'Communication' Instead of Tests Like TOEIC and TOEFL Becomes Trend
Paid-Level English Lecture Content Also Offered on YouTube
Consumers Seeking 'Personalized' Learning Gather Around 'English Apps'
From Platforms Offering 1:1 Lessons with Native Speakers to AI English Apps with Voice Recognition

Recently, as studying English for speaking has become more important, English apps equipped with AI technology are gaining popularity. Photo by Pixabay.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] #. Han Mo (25), a 6-year office worker, is a user of English conversation applications (apps). He said, "Recently, I have had more opportunities to use English for work," adding, "I found it physically exhausting and time-consuming to attend a language academy separately, so these days I study English using conversation apps." He continued, "The app provides study materials that can be completed in about 20 minutes, and I can choose a tutor that fits my circumstances, which is convenient," and added, "I had few chances to use everyday English, so I was worried about not improving my conversation skills, but having the opportunity to speak 100% in English definitely makes me feel my skills are improving."

#. A university student A (21), who practices Miracle Morning (waking up early for self-development), starts the day with an AI English app. A said, "My goal is to study English consistently every day without getting tired," and "I also want to go on a working holiday, so I am focusing on learning practical English." He said, "Using the app allows for repetitive learning, and if my pronunciation is not accurate, the AI asks me to try again, so I prefer it because it offers affordable, customized study."

English study focusing on communication rather than strict grammar rules is the trend. Beyond English study for specs like TOEIC, TOEFL, and TEPS, there is a growing trend toward focusing on speaking. As the purpose of studying English shifts from exams to conversation, learning methods that emphasize repeated speaking to internalize patterns rather than sitting and taking notes are gaining attention.

Moreover, since the large-scale COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to non-face-to-face methods has drawn attention to English study methods that are not restricted by location or time. Already on YouTube, English study YouTubers offering paid-lecture-level content have appeared. With the advantage of free video access, the English learning YouTube channel 'Live Academy' has gathered nearly 850,000 subscribers as of the 23rd.

Live Academy is praised for accurately pinpointing the difficulties Koreans face in studying English while explaining English-style thinking to help learners develop a feel for the language, making it suitable for those seeking practical English. The classes feature teaching English expressions usable in common situations and enabling natural application to individual contexts through repetitive learning.

Recently, as studying English for speaking has become more important, English apps equipped with AI technology are gaining popularity. Photo by Pixabay.

Although the educational videos are of quality comparable to paid content, since they target a large number of subscribers, they have the drawback of not fully meeting the demands of those seeking personalized lessons. Being single-episode content, there are criticisms that the structure is somewhat loose.

Consequently, there is steady demand for paid English learning content, and recently, apps that connect users with native speakers for 1:1 English conversation or incorporate AI technology have become popular. These apps focus on repetitive speaking training, adopting the concept of 'learning English that can be used immediately.'

Edu-Tech (Education + Technology) has become a trend, with AI-based customized education gaining ground. Edu-Tech is a compound word of Education and Technology, referring to an innovative field where educational services merge with information and communication technologies (ICT) such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), AI, and big data to provide new learning services.

Han said, "English study has been a hot topic for more than a year, and honestly, I feel embarrassed if I can't speak English now," adding, "I get nervous about making mistakes when learning with others, but 1:1 lessons are comfortable for me." He also added, "Immediate feedback on pronunciation correction is another advantage."

AI-based English study apps are also gaining attention. By purchasing subscription plans divided by period, users can access all lesson services, and customized lessons are available from beginner to advanced levels such as business and interviews. Especially, the AI system that recognizes voice in real time allows users to check and practice their pronunciation.

A said, "All the learned content is recorded, and difficult expressions are saved within the app to review later," adding, "I recommended it to my friends because it allows systematic study at a low price."

Meanwhile, the Edu-Tech market is expected to have high growth potential in the future. According to education market research firm Holon IQ, the global Edu-Tech industry market size is projected to expand more than twice from $153 billion in 2018 to $342 billion by 2025. The global education market is expected to reach $7.8 trillion by 2025, with Edu-Tech accounting for about 4.4% at $342 billion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.