Theoretical Interpretation and Practical Pathways of Artificial Intelligence Empowering Foreign Language Teaching in Higher Education
Nan HOU

Department of English North China Electric Power University, Baoding Hebei 071003；

Abstract: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is profoundly reshaping the landscape of foreign language education in higher education institutions, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. This paper aims to systematically explore the theoretical foundations and practical approaches for AI-empowered foreign language teaching. At the theoretical level, grounded in constructivist learning theory, situated cognition theory, cognitive load theory, and connectivism, it elucidates how AI technology facilitates personalized knowledge construction, creates immersive authentic contexts, optimizes cognitive learning processes, and promotes interconnected knowledge networks. This provides robust scholarly support for innovation in foreign language pedagogy. At the practical level, aligning with current technological developments and educational needs, the paper proposes key pathways: constructing multimodal smart teaching environments, developing intelligent adaptive learning systems, innovating AI-driven teaching evaluation and feedback mechanisms, enhancing teachers’ AI literacy, and addressing ethical risks. This research endeavors to offer forward-looking and actionable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the digital transformation and high-quality development of foreign language education in the AI era.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; foreign language teaching in higher education; personalized learning; adaptive systems; teaching evaluation; teacher development; educational ethics

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