Language and Technology in Action

On Tuesday 22nd October, our Year 10 German students had an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills at the Ballarat Tech School, programming NAO Robots—state-of-the-art humanoid robots that use advanced speech technology. This unique experience allowed students to program the robots to communicate entirely in German, helping them refine their language skills in an interactive, hands-on setting.

Throughout the day, students took turns commanding the robots to respond to spoken commands in German, strengthening their speaking and listening skills while having loads of fun. They brought their personalities to life through the robots, making them perform dances (from Tai Chi to disco!), impersonate voices, and even mimic animal sounds. It was not only a valuable learning experience but also a fantastic reminder of the real-world application of language skills in the tech industry.

This special BHS-led program, now in its second year and the first of its kind in Victoria, highlights the ever-growing intersection between artificial intelligence and foreign language skills. As technology evolves, so does the need for multilingual proficiency, especially for students interested in careers where AI and language converge. The Ballarat Tech School visit provided a taste of what’s possible for those who bring language skills into the tech world—a sector expanding rapidly on a global scale.

Our sincere thanks to Julia Cavelius, our German language assistant, whose support made this experience even more meaningful. And a big thank you to our amazing Year 10 German students, whose enthusiasm brought the robots to life!

With such a successful day, we’re eagerly looking forward to taking our German students again next year. If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of combining language with cutting-edge tech, consider choosing German as a subject! It’s a skill that opens doors to exciting, future-oriented careers and showcases the power of communication across cultures and industries.

Charlotte Ross-Harris

Head of Languages