From the perspective of LATAM individual test takers, standardized assessments function as essential gatekeepers that facilitate access to opportunities for studying abroad, immigration, and the validation of language skills for job upgrade. In Brazil, individual test takers' concerns include costs, reliability, availability, accessibility, and faster results. Recognized as reliable English language proficiency tests, traditional evaluations are facing the transformation brought by AI applications. Some students have seen AI-based language tests as less difficult, less subjective and less unpredictable compared to traditional tests. In addition, there’s a recent trend among institutions and universities in English-speaking countries to accept AI assessments.
Generative AI certainly has the potential to provide improvements for learning and assessment. For example, AI has the capacity to generate learning and assessment solutions that are appropriate both to the individual and to the learning context or focus. For example, in 2024, the tourism sector is expected to contribute approximately 7.7% to Brazil's GDP and support around 7 million jobs. Last year, Brazil welcomed 5.9 million foreign tourists, representing a substantial increase of 62.7% compared to 2022. As a result, there are opportunities for micro-certification programs targeting roles such as waitstaff, hotel managers, drivers and so on, all of whom require proficiency in English.
AI evangelists have made promises that are referred to as “AI solutionism” by the World Economic Forum. Rather than viewing it as a cure-all for the complexities of learning and assessment, I contend that AI is likely to be of value only when utilized ethically and effectively.