Machine translation in language learning and teaching
The Open University
Last updated August 30, 2026
Machine translation in language learning and teaching is a free Open University course on folding free online translation tools — Google Translate, DeepL and their equivalents — into language study, rather than using them to get around it. It covers how to identify and critically assess the available tools, where human input still has to do the work, and how to build translation-based activities into learning. The activities are meant to be adapted: a teacher can model further exercises on them, and a learner can shape them around their own gaps. Academic honesty is treated head-on, with responsible use in line with good academic practice as one of the stated outcomes. About twelve hours, self-paced; free to start without an account, with a free statement of participation for those who sign up.
What you'll learn
- Identifying and critically assessing free online machine translation tools such as Google Translate and DeepL
- The relationship between machine output and the human input still required
- Building machine translation activities into language study, and adapting them to individual needs
- Using the course's translation activities as models for building further exercises of your own
- Responsible use and good academic practice when translation tools are involved
Frequently asked questions about Machine translation in language learning and teaching
Who is Machine translation in language learning and teaching for?
Language learners and teachers, at any level and in any language, who want to use online translation tools deliberately and honestly.
Is Machine translation in language learning and teaching free?
Yes — Machine translation in language learning and teaching is completely free to take.
Why we suggest this course
Machine translation is the AI most language learners already use daily, usually without ever being taught anything about its limits. This course treats it as an instrument to be handled well — how to judge a tool critically, where its output still needs a person, and how to turn it into deliberate practice instead of a shortcut. It is written for both sides of the classroom and for any language at any level, so the same material serves a teacher designing activities and a learner working alone. Twelve hours is a real commitment for an introductory course, and what you get for it is a stock of activities and examples you can keep reusing.