School of Languages at XJTLU Conference 2024

Details:

Located in Suzhou, China, the School of Languages at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is one of the largest language centres in the world, with over 250 academic staff in its English Language Centre and Modern Languages Centre (which currently teaches Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish). The School is fast-growing and dynamically engaged with the latest digital and transnational trends and developments in EAP and Modern Languages. As part of our commitment to being a global go-to Centre of Excellence, we are hosting a three-day Conference on Friday, 31 May to Sunday, 2 June 2024. The theme for this event is: The future of language learning and teaching.

In the ever-evolving landscape of language education, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the role of generative AI and other technological tools is reshaping the way we teach and learn languages. The title of our conference, No Fate: The Future is Not Set, underscores our belief that the future is not predetermined; it is a canvas upon which language educators can wield their influence and play a pivotal role.

As we stand on the precipice of a new era, marked by unprecedented technological advancements, we recognize that the traditional paradigms of language teaching are being challenged and redefined. Generative AI, virtual classrooms, immersive language apps, and other cutting-edge tools are transforming the language learning experience in ways we could only imagine a few years ago. The question that lies before us is not whether these innovations will shape the future, but rather how we, as educators, will harness their potential to create meaningful and effective language instruction.

We hope that our conference will serve both as a platform for collaboration and a catalyst for change. We are aiming to gather experts and educators from across the globe to engage in thoughtful discussion and exploration of the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will delve into the transformative impact of generative AI and technology on language pedagogy, examine the challenges and opportunities they present, and chart a course towards a future where hopefully language education is more accessible, engaging, and effective than ever before.

While we acknowledge the profound shifts taking place, we firmly believe that the future is not set in stone. It is the collective effort of educators, researchers, and innovators that will determine the trajectory of language teaching and learning. By fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we can shape a future where language education transcends boundaries, adapts to individual needs, and empowers learners in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

Call for Papers:

We invite proposals for presentations, workshops, or panel discussions in the following areas or other related topics:

• The global language landscape: emerging trends and predictions
• Blended learning environments and classrooms of the future
• Empowering language learners
• Language teacher identity and agency in the era of AI and technology
• Ethical and inclusive practices in technology-enhanced language education
• Rethinking language assessment in the age of generative AI
• Immersive technologies and language acquisition
• Utilizing learner analytics or other data-driven approaches

Presentations: 20 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions

Workshops: 45 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions

Panel Discussions: 40 minutes (3-5 presenters) plus 15 minutes for questions from the audience

N.B. The conference will be held entirely onsite for presenters and attendees. Moreover, for topics related to language teaching in Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish, we welcome presentations in either one of the three languages or in English.

Submission:

Deadline: Friday, 2 February 2024

To submit your proposal (including an abstract of 200 to 300 words), please click HERE to complete the proposal submission form.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at SoLConference2024@xjtlu.edu.cn