In Nicole Mills’s Beginning French class at Harvard, students immerse themselves in Parisian life by creating characters and writing memoirs from their perspectives. To deepen this experience, Mills integrated technologies like virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Initially, students engaged with ‘La République,’ a VR project showcasing the daily lives of four Parisians, providing authentic insights into contemporary French culture. With advancements in AI, Mills collaborated with Wonda to develop ‘Lee,’ an AI-powered avatar that interacts with students in real-time conversations, enhancing their language skills. ‘Lee’ also serves as a writing companion, guiding students through the process of crafting memoirs, thereby enriching their learning experience.
Ana Tegeltija
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