A way to grow: training educators to integrate AI in language teaching while preserving students' agency.

The rapid advancement of technology, driven by human intelligence, tries to create a satisfying life across various fields. Therefore, as human beings, we need to adopt them and try to cope our lives with these new coming technologies by having our agencies. Nowadays, this progress is especially evident in the impressive growth of generative open Artificial Intelligence (AI), which already has started reshaping educational settings. It is true that every great technology in the evolving phase may have shortcomings, but despite its potential and outstanding benefits, the reactions to AI are very similar to the reactions once people had toward major technological changes like computers and the internet, etc. Many people still hesitate about AI; most of the time they try to ban it rather than exploring its benefits for learning. The concerns often focus on whether AI could replace educators or decrease students’ agency and critical thinking. However, it should be noted that such concerns often stem from a lack of understanding and less knowledge about AI’s capabilities and applications. It is important to recognize AI as an assisting tool that should not be banned hastily; instead, educators must be prepared to guide students in leveraging this evolving technology. This study employs a quantitative approach, involving surveys to explore how teachers can integrate AI effectively in classrooms, empowering students while maintaining their agency. It also explores the need for targeted pedagogical training for educators to employ their methods to the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.