AI AND SMART TECH TO NEWCOMERS’ HELP!

To help students develop their English-language skills, Sheridan became the first post-secondary institution in Canada to offer Pearson Digital English – software that harnesses Pearson Digital English – get started.png smart technology and artificial intelligence.

As a pilot program, the 10-level language course is completely virtual and autonomous, allowing students to learn wherever and whenever they want, at their own pace.

“Learning a new language is an ongoing process and students can benefit from supports beyond completion of an ESL program,” says Joan Sweeney Marsh, Sheridan’s associate vice provost, Academic and Career Learning Resources.

The program covers all four areas of language acquisition – listening, speaking, reading and writing – and provides students with a syllabus that is designed using learning objectives from the Global Scale of English (GSE). The software is also highly personalized: an initial online assessment ensures students start with modules that are well-suited to their needs.

Users receive extensive AI-powered pronunciation exercises with actionable feedback, which is a critical component of the learning experience. For students who require in-person support, the platform provides them with the ability to connect to Sheridan English and writing tutors.