Letter from the Incoming Chair

Raquel Elisa Rosas Rivero, Language Professor, San Ignacio de Loyola University, Lima, Peru

The Computer-Assisted Language Learning Interest Section (CALL-IS) of TESOL International Association plays an essential role in shaping the future of language education in our increasingly digital world. CALL-IS connects educators from all over the globe, providing a platform to share ideas, explore new technologies, and collaborate on best practices in integrating technology into language instruction. Being part of this vibrant community has been a transformative experience for me, particularly through its exploration of the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tools like ChatGPT in education.

The CALL-IS Community: A Hub for Innovation

At its core, CALL-IS is dedicated to helping teachers stay up-to-date with the evolving global environment of education. One of its main goals is to instruct and empower language educators to effectively use technology in their lessons. This involves not only introducing teachers to new tools and technologies but also supporting them as they integrate these innovations into their classrooms. Whether through webinars, conferences, or online discussions, the community provides numerous opportunities for professional development and exchange.

CALL-IS encourages educators to harness technology’s potential in a thoughtful and pedagogically sound manner. With its diverse network of members, the community fosters a collaborative spirit where teachers can share their experiences, successes, and challenges with digital tools. This shared knowledge helps to create a learning environment where technology serves as a bridge between teachers and students, enhancing the teaching and learning experience.

My Experience with CALL-IS: Contributing to the Playlist on AI and ChatGPT

As someone who has witnessed the rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT in education, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the CALL-IS community's playlist on the Impact of AI and ChatGPT in Education. This playlist served as a resource for educators looking to understand the potential and challenges of AI in language learning.

In preparing my contribution, I reflected on my own experiences using ChatGPT and similar AI tools in language teaching. These technologies have shown great promise in supporting personalized learning, providing instant feedback, and engaging students in creative activities. However, they also present challenges, including concerns about over-reliance on technology, the potential for biased content, and the importance of maintaining human connection in the learning process.

By sharing insights and resources with the CALL-IS community, I was able to contribute to a larger conversation about how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used responsibly and effectively in the classroom. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration within the community—by exchanging ideas, we can better navigate the complexities of integrating AI into educational practices and ensure that it complements, rather than replaces, traditional teaching methods.

The Role of CALL-IS in Keeping Teachers Updated

One of the most valuable aspects of being part of the CALL-IS community is its emphasis on helping teachers stay current with the rapid advancements in educational technology. The global educational landscape is constantly evolving, with new tools, platforms, and strategies emerging at a fast pace. CALL-IS ensures that teachers are not left behind by offering ongoing professional development opportunities, whether through online workshops, presentations, or interactive discussions.

The focus on continuous learning is vital in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Through CALL-IS, teachers gain access to cutting-edge research, case studies, and examples of how technology is being applied effectively in language teaching. These resources help educators refine their teaching practices, adopt new methodologies, and remain relevant in a digital age.

Moreover, CALL-IS actively fosters an inclusive environment where educators from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, share their knowledge, and adapt best practices to fit their specific contexts. This global network of professionals helps ensure that language teaching remains dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of students worldwide.

Moving Forward: The Future of CALL-IS and Technology in Education

Looking ahead, the CALL-IS community will continue to be at the forefront of guiding educators in their use of technology. As AI and other innovations like virtual reality, gamification, and mobile apps become more integrated into the classroom, CALL-IS will play a pivotal role in helping teachers navigate these new opportunities and challenges.

The impact of AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we teach and learn languages. However, it is essential for educators to engage critically with these technologies and to approach them with a pedagogical mindset. CALL-IS provides a space for this kind of reflection, where teachers can share experiences, experiment with new tools, and find creative ways to incorporate technology into their teaching.

In conclusion, being part of the CALL-IS community has been an enriching and inspiring experience. It has allowed me to connect with like-minded educators, explore the transformative potential of AI and ChatGPT, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of technology in education. As we move forward, I am excited to continue engaging with this dynamic community and to help shape the future of language learning in a digital world.

Raquel is an educator with a Master’s in Education, specializing in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She works as a professor of English and Spanish at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, where she combines her passion for languages with her expertise in teaching. She is particularly interested in researching and developing technological tools to enhance classroom learning, while in constant pursuit of innovative ways to integrate technology into her teaching methods to better support my students’ language acquisition.