Dr. Hiroyuki Obari is a Professor at Globiz Professional University, concurrently serving as Visiting and Emeritus Professor at Aoyama Gakuin University. Additionally, he is a part-time lecturer at the Graduate School, Institute of Science Tokyo, and a visiting researcher at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Born in 1953, Dr. Obari completed his B.A. in Political Science at the University of Oklahoma, earned an M.A. in International Relations from International Christian University (ICU), and a second M.A. from Columbia University. He obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Tsukuba. His international experience includes appointments as a visiting researcher at the University of Oxford in 1998, 2007, and 2018?2020. Dr. Obari specializes in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Applied Linguistics, Worldview Studies, and Educational Technology (EdTech), focusing on integrating technology and pedagogy to foster global educational leadership
This presentation explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with human instruction in language and communication education, highlighting its crucial role in preparing global leaders for an increasingly AI-driven society. Advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Progos Speaking Test, and Scribo writing software illustrate AI's strengths in enhancing personalized learning along three critical axes: knowledge (information accuracy), abstraction (complex conceptualization), and expression (linguistic clarity and fluency). AI significantly accelerates technical proficiency in grammar, pronunciation, fluency, and linguistic competence, providing powerful augmented abilities combined with human capacities.
However, despite these strengths, AI inherently lacks critical human abilities, including empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical judgment?essential for meaningful intercultural communication and responsible global citizenship. Human educators uniquely provide these dimensions, mediating AI limitations such as "hallucinations," insensitivity to social nuances, and ethical ambiguities. Through practical case studies and theoretical analysis, the presentation demonstrates that effective educational models must integrate the robust technological capabilities of AI with human instructors' profound capacities for emotional intelligence, moral discernment, and nuanced cultural understanding.
This talk explicitly acknowledges the role of divine providence and proposes a comprehensive, holistic educational approach that effectively synthesizes traditional human wisdom, advanced AI-augmented abilities, and profound spiritual insight. Through this integrative educational model, learners are guided toward achieving linguistic mastery and thoughtfully engaging with profound existential questions concerning personal identity, life purpose, and worldview. Consequently, learners are better prepared to assume empathetic, reflective, and ethically grounded leadership roles, empowering them to skillfully navigate the intricate complexities of human society and the rapid developments of technological advancements within our increasingly interconnected global community.