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In the latest episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosts Anna and Shé are joined by Rachel Toncelli and Ilka Kostka—seasoned educators at Northeastern University and co-authors of Artificial Intelligence, Real Teaching: A Guide to AI in ELT—for an honest and practical conversation about what it really looks like to bring AI into language teaching. From their initial intrigue with ChatGPT in late 2022 to the development of a full framework for AI integration, Rachel and Ilka exemplify what happens when educators meet new technology with curiosity rather than panic. As they see it, every challenge AI presents is a teaching problem—not a reason to ban or retreat.
The conversation tackles widespread misconceptions head-on, particularly the fear that AI might replace language learning altogether. Both guests advocate for transparency and dialogue with students, sharing how critical analysis of AI-generated output can deepen learner engagement and help students recognize what makes their own voices distinctive.
" If teachers are worried that their students are gonna outsource everything, then you need to be having regular conversations about how to use AI, how not to use AI, and the purpose of schooling. What are we here to do?" — Rachel Toncelli
Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to start small, collaborate with colleagues, and approach AI with a mindset of exploration. Rachel and Ilka's work reminds us that as AI technology evolves, our teaching must adapt alongside it—keeping human interaction and cultural learning at the center.
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