Duolingo Expands Offering: 148 New AI-Generated Language Courses | Train llm with structured data | Is chatgpt an llm | Large language models books | Turtles AI
Duolingo has announced the launch of 148 new AI-generated language courses, doubling its learning offerings. The expansion, accomplished in less than a year, coincides with the company’s move to an “AI-first” model, gradually replacing external collaborators with automated systems.
Key Points:
- 148 New AI-Created Language Courses
- Transition to an “AI-First” Business Model
- Gradually Replacing External Collaborators with AI
- Mixed Reactions from Users and the Public
Leading language learning platform Duolingo recently expanded its learning offerings by introducing 148 new language courses developed through generative AI. The move has allowed the company to double the number of courses available, making the seven most popular non-English languages—Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin—accessible in all 28 supported user interface languages. Traditionally, creating a new course would take years of manual labor; however, by implementing a “shared content” system and using AI, Duolingo has been able to quickly develop and customize courses for multiple languages.
Alongside this expansion, Duolingo announced a significant internal restructuring, adopting an “AI-first” approach. In an internal communication, CEO Luis von Ahn informed employees that the company would gradually stop using external contractors for tasks that can be automated by AI. This shift has resulted in a 10% reduction in contract workers, with AI now taking over tasks previously performed by humans, such as generating content and voices for the app.
The move to automation has been met with mixed reactions. While some users appreciate the speed and efficiency of creating new content, others are concerned about the quality and accuracy of AI-generated lessons. Some former employees shared experiences where their roles were reduced to simple quality checks on AI-produced content, raising questions about the impact of automation on human linguistic and cultural skills.
Duolingo said that while it is automating some functions, it does not plan to reduce its full-time staff and that any changes will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The company continues to invest in AI to improve the user experience, introducing features such as Duolingo Max, which offers interactive chatbots and dialogue simulations to practice real-world scenarios.
In this context of rapid technological evolution, Duolingo is positioning itself as a pioneer in integrating AI into language learning, addressing the challenges and opportunities that this transformation brings.