Abstract
Natural language processing combines the power of artificial intelligence with linguistics to process and analyze language-based data. NLP considers the building blocks of language as data and analyzes these data segments, looking for latent structures and patterns in language. It helps linguists understand aspects of a language and conduct studies comparing one language to another. It informs the technology that drives online translation software and speech-recognition applications. NLP has the potential to contribute to learning analytics and efforts to support student success.
The 7 Things You Should Know About... series from the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) provides concise information on emerging learning technologies. Each brief focuses on a single technology and describes what it is, where it is going, and why it matters to teaching and learning. Use these briefs for a no-jargon, quick overview of a topic and share them with time-pressed colleagues.
In addition to the 7 Things briefs, you may find other ELI resources useful in addressing teaching, learning, and technology issues at your institution. To learn more, please visit the ELI Resources page.