Language learning platform Preply is launching three new AI-powered features designed to assist, rather than replace, human tutors. This launch directly counters competitor Duolingo's recent shift toward an automated, AI-first model. The development highlights an ongoing debate in educational technology: whether artificial intelligence should substitute for teachers or serve as an assistant to them.
What Happened
Preply recently announced three interactive tools: "Lesson insights," "Daily exercises," and "Scenario practice." Preply's official announcement states these features support live tutoring rather than replacing it. "Lesson insights" generates personalized text summaries after sessions. "Daily exercises" links lesson content to custom practice. "Scenario practice" offers speaking activities to help students prepare for real-world conversations between classes.
This strategy contrasts with other major companies. Duolingo recently pivoted to automation, prompting Preply's critical campaign response. While Duolingo cut human staff by replacing contractors with AI systems, Preply's CEO Kirill Bigai argues that AI should make human-to-human lessons more effective. Even when Duolingo introduces tools to review lessons, automated apps struggle to match the tailored instruction of a live teacher.
The Bigger Picture
The choice between fully automated software and human-led tutoring is more than a matter of cost. Research shows that standalone AI tools struggle to keep students motivated.
A Stanford University AI Tutoring study reveals that fully automated learning systems face low engagement. Nearly half of all students never log into AI-only systems, and those who do use them for only a few minutes a week. Adding human oversight improves participation. A study in the LAK Conference proceedings found that hybrid human-AI systems increase student usage and test performance, especially for struggling students. However, human helpers improve engagement but not necessarily academic achievement unless the AI tools specifically coach the tutors.
Speaking a new language is often stressful for children and adult beginners. Interactive, low-stakes AI practice can help. A study in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications found that students practicing with AI chatbots experienced lower speaking anxiety than those in traditional, teacher-only classrooms. Similarly, a Scientific Reports study verified that structured AI tools build student confidence.
Not all AI tools achieve this. A Discover Education study showed that while students use general tools like ChatGPT for writing, they do not find generic chatbots helpful for speaking anxiety. Dedicated, curriculum-aligned tools like Preply's conversational features work better.
What This Means for Families
When choosing how to support a child learning a new language, parents should look past the marketing of "AI-first" apps. Fully automated apps often turn language learning into a passive game. This makes it harder for children to grasp complex grammar rules or regional nuances.
Instead, hybrid models, where children use AI tools to practice between structured lessons with a human teacher, offer a balanced approach. The AI provides a safe environment to make mistakes and build confidence, while the human tutor provides accountability and emotional support.
What You Can Do
- Prioritize hybrid learning by selecting platforms that use AI to support a live teacher rather than replace human conversation.
- Use targeted tools to address speaking anxiety. If your child is nervous about speaking, encourage them to use conversational AI chatbots to practice basic phrases before live classes.
- Avoid relying solely on gamified apps. Treat automated programs as practice supplements rather than a complete curriculum, as students often lose motivation without human accountability.