FAQs on AI-integrated Spanish Reading Course
This article answers common questions about using AI tools in Spanish reading courses (BFSU), including recommended tools, usage methods, and important considerations.
Table of Contents
Basic Questions
- Q1: What are Large Language Models (LLMs)? Which AI tools are recommended for our course?
- Q2: Do I need to pay to use AI tools?
- Q3: I’ve never used AI tools before, how should I start?
Usage Tips
- Q4: How can I get AI to generate more accurate article summaries?
- Q5: What if AI explanations contradict my textbook?
- Q6: How can I improve my prompting techniques?
- Q7: How can I identify errors in AI-generated Spanish content?
Technical Issues
- Q8: What should I do if AI responses suddenly stop or show error messages?
- Q9: What if I can’t access certain AI tools?
- Q10: Do AI tools save my conversation history? Is my privacy protected?
Learning Method Questions
- Q11: Will using AI affect my Spanish learning outcomes?
- Q12: How can I use AI to create personalized learning plans?
- Q13: Can AI help me prepare for Spanish exams?
Ethical Questions
- Q14: Is using AI to complete assignments considered academic misconduct?
- Q15: How should I mention AI-assisted content in class discussions?
Other Questions
- Q16: Which course tasks are not suitable for AI assistance?
- Q17: Can I share interesting AI applications I discover with my classmates?
- Q18: Why does AI sometimes refuse to answer my questions?
Basic Questions
Q1: What are Large Language Models (LLMs)? Which AI tools are recommended for our course?
A: Large Language Models are AI systems capable of understanding and generating human language. For our course, we recommend the following tools:
• ChatGPT (Free basic version/Paid Plus version): https://chat.openai.com
• Claude (Free and paid versions available): https://claude.ai
• DeepSeek: https://chat.deepseek.com/
• Doubao: https://www.doubao.com/chat/
All these tools support both Spanish and Chinese input and output.
Q2: Do I need to pay to use AI tools?
A: Most AI tools offer free versions that are sufficient for completing the course’s preparation tasks. ChatGPT, Claude, and Doubao all have free versions with daily usage limits. You don’t need to purchase paid versions, as course tasks have been designed to work within the capabilities of the free versions.
Q3: I’ve never used AI tools before, how should I start?
A:
Choose a tool and register an account (e.g., ChatGPT)
Type your question or instruction in the dialogue box
Start by using the prompt templates provided in the course
If you encounter problems, refer to the tool’s official user guide or consult your teacher
Usage Tips
Q4: How can I get AI to generate more accurate article summaries?
A: Providing clear instructions and complete article content is important. For example:
• Use specific instructions: “Resume el siguiente texto en 150-200 palabras, destacando las ideas principales y la estructura del texto.”
• If the result isn’t satisfactory, ask for revisions: “El resumen es demasiado general, por favor incluye más detalles sobre [specific content]”
• Specify output format: “Organiza el resumen en párrafos con subtítulos para cada idea principal.”
Q5: What if AI explanations contradict my textbook?
A: Textbooks are authoritative sources, and when discrepancies occur, you should prioritize the textbook. AI might:
• Provide outdated or incomplete information
• Have biases in explaining certain grammar rules
• Lack depth in cultural context explanations
Consider noting these differences and bringing them up for discussion in class—this itself is a valuable learning opportunity!
Q6: How can I improve my prompting techniques?
A: Effective prompting leads to better responses:
• Be specific rather than general: “Explica el uso del subjuntivo en este párrafo” is more effective than “Explica esta gramática”
• Provide context: “Considerando que este texto habla de historia de México, explica…”
• Refine gradually: “Tu respuesta es útil, pero ahora necesito más ejemplos de…”
• Socratic method: To avoid the lazy effect of getting AI answers without personal reflection, try to have AI use the Socratic method to guide you step by step: “Usando el método socrático, hazme una serie de preguntas para comprender … Haz solo una pregunta cada vez y espera mi respuesta antes de continuar. Corrígeme si mi respuesta es incorrecta.”
• Asking in Spanish usually results in better Spanish responses
Q7: How can I identify errors in AI-generated Spanish content?
A:
• Compare responses from multiple AI tools
• Consult authoritative dictionaries (like RAE) or grammar books
• Watch for unnatural expressions or contextually inappropriate words
• Paste the content into Google search (strongly recommended for foreign language content) to see if there are similar correct usages
• Note your doubts and ask your teacher in or outside of class
Technical Issues
Q8: What should I do if AI responses suddenly stop or show error messages?
A:
• Refresh the page and try again
• Start a new conversation
• Try simplifying your question or breaking it into smaller parts
• If using a free version, you may have reached the daily usage limit; try again the next day
• The AI service might be experiencing network issues or congestion; wait a while or try another AI tool
Q9: What if I can’t access certain AI tools?
A:
• International tools like ChatGPT and Claude may require VPN access; without VPN, you might use domestic mirror sites (which may require payment)
• If the above options aren’t feasible, domestic tools like DeepSeek or Doubao can also complete course tasks
Q10: Do AI tools save my conversation history? Is my privacy protected?
A:
• Most AI tools save conversation history to improve service quality
• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information in conversations
• Some tools offer options to delete conversation history
• If you have privacy concerns, use the tool’s “incognito mode” (if available)
Learning Method Questions
Q11: Will using AI affect my Spanish learning outcomes?
A:
• AI is a tool, not a replacement
• Effective use of AI can deepen understanding and expand knowledge
• Over-reliance may affect independent thinking abilities
• Recommendation: Read and think independently first, then use AI to verify or expand
• Maintain critical thinking and don’t blindly accept all AI responses
Q12: How can I use AI to create personalized learning plans?
A:
• Tell AI your language level: “Soy estudiante de español de nivel básico/intermedio”
• Point out specific difficulties: “Tengo dificultades con los tiempos verbales del pasado”
• State learning goals: “Quiero mejorar mi comprensión de textos periodísticos”
• Set a time frame: “Necesito un plan de estudio de 30 minutos diarios”
• Request regular assessment: “Incluye formas de evaluar mi progreso semanalmente”
Q13: Can AI help me prepare for Spanish exams?
A:
• AI can generate practice questions and mock tests
• It can provide solution approaches and answer explanations
• It can explain common errors and how to avoid them
• But AI cannot take exams for you
• Recommendation: View AI as a “practice partner” rather than an “exam answer bank”
Ethical Questions
Q14: Is using AI to complete assignments considered academic misconduct?
A:
• In this course, using AI as a preparation aid is allowed, but you need to:
o Note where AI was used when required
o Not directly copy and paste AI responses as your own work
o Apply critical thinking and personal processing to AI outputs
• Some tasks or assignments may limit AI use; consult your instructor for specific requirements
Q15: How should I mention AI-assisted content in class discussions?
A:
• Honestly state your information source: “AI explained that this phrase means…”
• Offer your own perspective: “AI’s explanation made me question because…”
• Actively seek verification: “AI provided this explanation, and I’d like to confirm if it’s correct…”
• Share discoveries: “I found that AI has limitations when explaining this concept…”
Other Questions
Q16: Which course tasks are not suitable for AI assistance?
A:
• Assignments requiring personal creativity and reflection
• Final quizzes and exams (unless specifically permitted)
• Oral presentations demonstrating personal Spanish proficiency
• Real-time interactions in group discussions (except as reference)
Q17: Can I share interesting AI applications I discover with my classmates?
A:
• Sharing innovative AI application methods is highly encouraged
• You can bring them up during class discussion time
• You can also share through the class group chat
• Excellent AI application ideas will be rewarded with extra participation points
Q18: Why does AI sometimes refuse to answer my questions?
A:
• AI has safety limitations and won’t respond to inappropriate content
• Certain sensitive topics may be declined
• Overly complex or ambiguous questions may be difficult to process
• If a normal learning question is declined, try rephrasing it
Gang Yao
Lecturer
My research interests include corpus linguistics, Spanish as a Foreign Language, and academic discourse.