Exploring AI & Social Media in the English Classroom: What Do We Really Gain?
As part of my ongoing action research with Grade 11 students, I’ve been investigating the question:
How can integrating AI tools and social-media–based activities in English lessons enhance students’ digital competencies and motivation to learn English?
Early results show clear progress — students are writing better prompts, using AI tools more purposefully, and showing higher motivation through creative projects on Instagram and TikTok.But this topic is becoming even more relevant today as many countries including Kazakhstan are starting to restrict or even ban smartphone use in schools.
This raises new questions about how we can meaningfully integrate digital learning while maintaining focus, discipline, and educational value.
I'd like to share some questions that came to my mind and will be glad to get some of your insights:
1️⃣
If smartphones are restricted, how can teachers still develop students’ digital competencies in a controlled and meaningful way?
What alternatives or structured tools can we use?
2️⃣
How do we balance creativity and academic rigor when students work with AI tools like ChatGPT or Canva?
Are we strengthening critical thinking, or creating dependency?
3️⃣
Should social media be part of formal learning, or is it better kept outside the classroom?
If used, what rules or boundaries are necessary?
4️⃣
Is digital competence now a core element of English language education?
If so, how do we integrate it responsibly and equitably?
5️⃣
How do we teach students to use AI ethically, safely, and critically?
Do we need explicit instruction on digital responsibility and prompt engineering?
6️⃣
Where does motivation really come from: AI, creativity, or the social element of sharing content?
7️⃣
How can we measure actual language development when AI helps generate or improve student output?
If you’ve tried integrating digital tools, AI, or social media into your lessons — or if your school applies smartphone restrictions — your experience is incredibly valuable.
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- What rules or boundaries help?
- How do students respond?
Let’s share our insights and rethink the role of digital tools in modern education!
