This fall, the Duolingo Masterclass series made its mark in Australia, kicking off in Melbourne and wrapping up in Sydney. Designed to provide deeper insight into the Duolingo English Test (DET), the masterclass brought together senior Duolingo team members from the USA to showcase the test’s cutting-edge security and validity measures.
I had the pleasure of attending the Sydney session, where industry leaders and academic professionals gathered to learn more about how the DET is revolutionizing English language testing through advanced technology like AI, machine learning, and deep learning.
Innovation in focus
Brett Blacker, Managing Director of Duolingo in Australia and New Zealand, alongside James Holden, Head of Institutional Engagement for Australia and New Zealand, opened the day by providing an overview of the DET’s foundations. As Brett and James highlighted, the DET isn’t just any English language test; it’s built on years of technological evolution, with AI at its core, enabling test integrity and accuracy at scale.
Test integrity and security
The first masterclass, led by Basim Baig, Head of Security at Duolingo, zeroed in on the vital issue of test integrity. Basim explained the many layers of security measures embedded within the DET, starting with simple concepts and gradually moving into more sophisticated threat models. One of the most engaging parts of his presentation involved how AI differentiates between typing from thought versus typing from reading—a brilliant example of how Duolingo uses technology to ensure honest test-taking behavior.
Basim’s session took an interactive turn as participants were encouraged to explore the motivations behind cheating and create profiles of hypothetical “cheaters.” This light-hearted exercise helped illuminate the serious work that goes into securing the test and protecting its integrity.
Understanding test validity
Next up, Dr. Ramsey Cardwell, Assessment Specialist, took the stage to dive into the theory of test validity. In his session, participants worked through the essential properties of a valid test, discussing reliability, fairness, and predictive validity. Dr. Cardwell’s breakdown of adaptive testing—where AI adjusts the difficulty of questions in real-time based on a test-taker’s responses—was a highlight. It showed how Duolingo is not only making testing more accessible but also smarter and more accurate.
Participants were even invited to design their own adaptive tests, sparking engaging discussions on the balance between security, validity, and efficiency in digital testing.
Reflections from duolingo leadership
Rogelio Alvarez, VP and General Manager of the Duolingo English Test, summed up Duolingo’s commitment to the Australian market:"Australia is a key market for Duolingo and the Duolingo English Test (DET), and we are excited to support Australian institutions in finding the right talent for their programs. The enthusiasm and engagement at our masterclasses highlight the importance of understanding the test’s integrity, validity, and security. I’m truly inspired by the interest and commitment of everyone involved!"
Jen Dewar, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, echoed this sentiment: "Despite current market fluctuations, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Australia, which we believe will continue to be a leading destination for international students. A key insight from our Masterclass events in Melbourne and Sydney is the sector’s strong appetite for innovation in English language testing, with a demand for solutions that are more accessible, secure, and efficient."
It’s no surprise that security is such a central focus for the DET. After all, Duolingo’s founder, Luis von Ahn, is the brilliant mind behind CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, as well as early iterations of Google Lens. His track record of developing secure, innovative technology continues to shape the mission and design of the Duolingo English Test, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and fairness for test takers.
What did participants think?
Ben Doran, Manager of Pathway Programs (ELICOS and Foundation) at Swinburne University of Technology, praised the event, saying: "Both sessions were great, and Dr. Cardwell’s breakdown of assessment design was the clearest I’ve ever seen on this topic, with practical examples and answers to common questions."
As the Duolingo Masterclass series wrapped up, it became clear that Duolingo is leading the charge in making English proficiency testing more secure, valid, and accessible. With a growing presence in Australia and beyond, the Duolingo English Test is poised to become an increasingly trusted option for institutions and test takers alike.
Thanks to Duolingo for hosting such an insightful and engaging series of events! We at The Koala are excited to see what innovations are in store for the future of language testing.
Read more about the Duolingo Masterclass Series on The Koala