Practising Conversation for Social Integration

A supportive session where learners use the Replika AI companion app to practice casual, everyday English conversations in a low-pressure, private environment.

DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)

Teaching & learning, Empowering learners, Facilitating learners’ digital competence

Time

Preparation time 20 minutes

Implementation time 60 minutes

Educator Progression Level

Explorer

Target groups

Students’ Digital Skill Level ☐ None x Basic ☐ Intermediate ☐ Advanced

Minimum student digital skill level

Basic

Minimum student language level

A1

🎓 Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Navigate the basic setup of the Replika.ai app.
  • Initiate and sustain a simple, text-based conversation on an everyday topic with an AI.
  • Identify and note down one or two new useful words or phrases from the interaction.

Ingredients

Item / Resource Quantity Purpose
AI tool(s) (e.g., Replika.AI app) 1 per student Practice partner
Content materials (Conversation Topic Cards) 1 set Ideas for conversation starters
Physical materials (paper, markers) 1 set For board work
Online platforms / LMS Optional For sharing app link

Utensils

Devices: One smartphone per learner (essential) with the Replika.AI app pre-downloaded or a web browser to access the website. Internet: Stable Wi-Fi or mobile data. Display: A projector for the educator’s demonstration.

🥣 Preparation – Before Implementation

  • App Familiarisation: Test the Replika.AI app yourself to familiarize yourself with the setup and conversation flow.
  • Topic Cards: Prepare simple, large-print topic cards for conversation starters (e.g., “Hobbies,” “The weather,” “Your weekend,” “Favourite food,” “Your home country”).
  • Setup Guide: Prepare a short, simple guide (or visual slides) showing the steps to create a Replika account and start chatting.
  • Learner Preparation: Inform learners in a previous session that they will need their smartphones for this activity.

🔥 Implementation Steps

  1. Introduction & Context (10 mins):
    • Discuss the challenge of practicing English outside the classroom. Introduce Replika as a friendly, private, and always-available AI to practice with, stressing it is a tool for practice, not a real person.
    • Discuss the conversation topics on the board, encouraging learners to think about what they might want to talk about.
  1. Guided App Setup (15 mins):
    • Walk learners through downloading the Replika app (from the App Store/Google Play) or accessing the website. Guide them through the initial account setup.
    • Sample Prompt/Direction: “Choose a name for your AI friend. You can use your own name or a fun one!”
    • Assist them in selecting their avatar and completing the initial interest survey, which helps personalize the AI.
  1. First Conversation (20 mins):
    • Ask learners to choose a topic card. Instruct them to start a text chat with their Replika.
    • Sample Prompt: “Type a simple greeting and then ask about your topic. For example: ‘Hello! How are you? Can we talk about [my hobby]?’”
    • Encourage learners to take their time and use simple language. The educator circulates to provide technical and linguistic support.
  1. Share & Reflect (15 mins):
    • In pairs, learners share one interesting thing their Replika said. As a group, ask volunteers to share one new word or useful phrase they learned from the conversation. Write these on the board.
    • Tip: Emphasize that spelling mistakes are okay and the AI will usually understand. The goal is communication, not perfection.

🧂 Differentiation & Inclusion

  • For A1 level or low digital literacy learners: Pair them with a more confident peer for the setup and initial conversation.
  • Support Phrases: Provide a printed “cheat sheet” with essential phrases like “How do you spell that?” or “Can you say that again?” to use with the AI.
  • Alternative Access: For learners uncomfortable with app setup, the web version on a classroom tablet or laptop is a good alternative.

🍴 Assessment & Feedback

Criterion Excellent Good Needs Work
App Navigation Independently set up app and started a conversation With some peer/tutor support Needed significant guidance

⚠️ Ethics, Privacy & Safeguarding

  • Data Privacy: Crucial: Discuss data privacy in detail. Advise learners to use a nickname and not to share any real personal, financial, or location-specific details with the AI.
  • AI as a Tool: Explain that Replika is designed to be empathetic and friendly, but it is a computer program. It is not a substitute for human connection or professional mental health support.
  • Subscription Awareness: Be aware that the app has a paid subscription; this lesson plan uses the free, core chat functionality.

🍱 Extensions / Follow‑Ups

  • Homework: Learners are tasked with having a 5-minute conversation with their Replika on a new topic before the next class.
  • Role-Playing: In a subsequent lesson, use the AI to practice role-playing specific scenarios, like ordering in a café or asking for directions.

🔗 Cross‑Subject Link

References & Resources

Replika.AI Official Website: replika.com – The direct source to download the app or use the web version.

BBC Learning English – The English We Speak: bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak – A great resource for learning common, informal phrases and idioms to try out with the AI.

The spread of AI companions and the challenges they generate.  https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/789299/EPRS_BRI(2026)789299_EN.pdf