AI Tool ‘English Mate’ for English Education at the University Level
Globally, modern education emphasizes Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. In this progression, Daffodil International University (DIU) has introduced its very own interactive AI-powered app, ‘English Mate,’ to aid students in their academic journey. This advanced technology will serve as an effective guide to help students improve their English language skills alongside their regular studies. This AI-powered tool, designed exclusively to assist students with their English curriculum, is the first of its kind created by any Bangladeshi university.
On December 22 (Sunday) at 3 PM, the official launch of this AI tool, developed under the initiative of the Department of English, took place at DIU’s campus in Birulia, Savar. This app was created using the Erasmus Lab, funded by the European Union, under the guidance of Dr. Imran Mahmud, Head of the Software Engineering Department, and Dr. Ehatasham Ul Hoque Eiten, Head of the English Department at DIU. It was developed by Nohan, a student at the university.
The ‘English Mate’ app is primarily a daily practice guide for English Department students at the university level. It simplifies their academic content, making it more understandable. Additionally, students can get specific guidance on particular topics from their curriculum directly through the AI tool. The AI tool customizes content based on the user’s needs, analyzing their learning progress and helping them improve. It includes various features such as quizzes, grammar checks, vocabulary building, and pronunciation support. In essence, ‘English Mate’ acts as a 24/7 home tutor for the students.
Dr. Ehatasham Ul Hoque Eiten, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of English at DIU, said, “We want our students to move beyond textbook-based learning and apply English in real-life scenarios. With this app, they are getting a guide available 24/7 for both curriculum and practical English learning. While the app is currently only for our university students, we are working to make it accessible to everyone in the future.”
The app’s developer, Nohan, a student of the Software Engineering Department, said, “While developing this tool, I aimed to bridge technology and education. My goal was to create a platform that makes learning English easy, interactive, and tailored to individual needs.”
The launch event was attended by the heads of the English and Software Engineering departments, along with the Registrar of the university, Dr. Nadir Bin Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Liza Sharmin, other faculty members, officials, and students.
