Using GenAI tools in advanced Korean language classes for cultural competence development

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has rapidly expanded in educational contexts, offering new opportunities for multimodal and interactive learning. In this Technology in Practice Forum article, we present GenAI-assisted activities implemented in an advanced Korean language course to enhance students’ cultural competence and critical thinking. The curriculum explored Korea’s historical and current relationships with other countries through both literary and non-literary texts, using a comparative approach to highlight distinctive elements of Korean culture. Classroom activities combined traditional pre- and post-reading tasks with subsequent AI-assisted tasks to expand on the course content. We utilized three types of AI-assisted activities: (1) information retrieval, (2) image generation, and (3) voice creation. These were closely tied to the content of the texts and often integrated two or three modalities to promote deeper engagement. Students found GenAI helpful in engaging with Korean culture and history, while also noting limitations such as inaccurate representation and bias. These limitations were leveraged to encourage students to pay more attention to cultural nuance, contextual accuracy, and critical reflexivity. Overall, GenAI-enhanced activities enriched cultural learning and multimodal engagement. In closing, we underscore the importance of the instructor’s role in modeling critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs and empowering students with agency.