Letter from the Current and Incoming Chairs
Minsun Kim, Chair, TESOL CALL-IS/Purdue University, USA.
Michelle Kang, Chair-Elect, TESOL CALL-IS
2024- CALL-IS Academic and Intersection Sessions at TESOL
At TESOL 2024, the CALL-IS hosted an academic session as well as three intersection sessions with other groups. In this series of panels, we explored the multifaceted impact of AI and emerging technologies on language education. Particularly, we examined how these advancements are reshaping teaching methodologies and learning environments and discussed strategic approaches for integrating these technologies effectively. The sessions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and other innovations, offering participants both theoretical and practical takeaways for enhancing their educational practices.
Our academic session titled "Rewriting Digital Literacy and Language Education in the AI Era" highlighted the need for updated digital literacy, with the rise of AI exemplified by the release of ChatGPT. Three distinguished scholars from prestigious universities around the globe aimed to redefine digital literacy to include AI and discussed how to teach students to apply critical thinking skills in creating and consuming AI-generated content in language learning. In our primary intersection session with Higher Education, titled "Transforming Higher Education Language Learning through Augmented and Virtual Reality," the panel discussion explored the opportunities and challenges of using augmented and virtual reality to reimagine language learning and teaching experiences for students and faculty in higher education institutions. The session also considered ways to implement these technologies both inside and outside the classroom to create immersive language learning experiences. We also had another session with Second Language Writing titled "Reimagining Multilingual Writing through AI." In this session, we examined the ethical, social justice, and pedagogical impacts of incorporating AI technologies into the writing classroom. The six presenters, who came from diverse backgrounds, shared their experiences using AI in various settings to enhance writing instruction and evaluation. Finally, with the rapid advancement of technology and the influence of AI in education, it is up to program administrators to keep their staff informed and promote the adoption of best practices. Finally, with the rapid advancement of technology and the influence of AI in education, program administrators need to keep their staff informed and promote the adoption of best practices. In the intersection session with Program Administration titled "Incorporating AI into the Curricula," eight distinguished panelists discussed their experiences, including the advantages and challenges of effectively integrating AI resources, particularly in L2 writing.
These sessions were well-attended and highly popular with participants, who found the discussions both engaging and informative. The insights shared offered valuable perspectives on integrating emerging technologies into language education. We hope that CALL-IS continues to provide such impactful sessions at future conferences, including TESOL 2025, by exploring and presenting cutting-edge technologies that are relevant and beneficial to attendees.
A Series of Sessions at TESOL 2025
At the upcoming TESOL 2025 International Convention, the Computer-Assisted Language Learning Interest Section (CALL-IS) will host a series of sessions showcasing how technology transforms language education. The sessions will be 75-minute panel presentations. As the Chair-Elect of TESOL CALL-IS, I am excited to present three sessions that explore the integration of AI and advanced technologies in language learning and teaching.
TESOL 2025 CALL Academic Session: Exploring the Impact of AI-generated Arts on Language Learning. This session investigates how AI-generated artworks influence language learning. Examining various AI-generated creations, it explores their potential to enhance language acquisition by engaging learners in diverse linguistic contexts. The session delves into the implications of integrating AI-generated arts in language education practices through empirical analysis and theoretical frameworks. In this session, attendees will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative arts, uncovering how AI-generated art forms can be powerful language-learning tools. By examining empirical data and theoretical perspectives, we will discuss how these innovative artworks can stimulate learners' imaginations, foster engagement, and facilitate deeper linguistic immersion. Interactive demonstrations and case studies will provide insights into the practical applications of AI-generated arts in educational settings, paving the way for new pedagogical approaches that harness AI's creative potential.
TESOL 2025 CALL & ESP Intersection Session: Innovative CALL Strategies for Enhancing ESP Instruction in Professional and Academic Contexts. This panel presentation explores cutting-edge strategies for integrating Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) into English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction, focusing on professional and academic contexts. Expert panelists will share insights, practical examples, and case studies on how technology can enhance ESP teaching and learning. This intersection session between CALL-IS and ESP-IS bridges the gap between technological advancements and specialized language instruction. Expert panelists will present innovative CALL strategies tailored to meet learners' unique needs in professional and academic settings. Attendees will learn how to leverage technology to create customized learning experiences, enhance language proficiency, and improve learners' performance in their fields. The session will cover practical implementations, including interactive platforms, simulation tools, and data-driven feedback systems, providing educators with the resources and knowledge to elevate their ESP programs.
TESOL 2025 SPL & CALL Intersection Session: L2 Pronunciation Instruction and Assessment with Technology Integration. This panel will explore the technological affordances for pronunciation instruction and assessment, including but not limited to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pronunciation teaching and evaluation, the application of speech analysis tools like Praat for instruction and visual feedback, the utilization of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) tools, and the effectiveness of mobile applications in teaching and assessing pronunciation. In collaboration with the Speech, Pronunciation, and Listening (SPL) Interest Section, this session will focus on the latest advancements in technology-assisted L2 pronunciation instruction and assessment. The panel will showcase various tools and methodologies, such as AI-driven pronunciation evaluation systems, speech analysis software, and mobile apps designed to provide immediate and precise feedback. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies can enhance learners' pronunciation skills, offering a blend of theoretical insights and practical guidance on incorporating these tools into their teaching practices.
In conclusion, these sessions at TESOL 2025 underscore the pivotal role of technology in transforming language education. Educators can create dynamic, engaging, and effective learning environments by embracing AI-generated arts, innovative CALL strategies, and advanced pronunciation training tools. Join us at TESOL 2025 to explore these cutting-edge developments and their implications for the future of language teaching and learning.
Minsun Kim is a lecturer in the PLaCE program at Purdue University, holding a PhD in English from Purdue. With over a decade of experience teaching second language learners, her research focuses on second language writing in multilingual and multicultural contexts and AI assisted writing.
Michelle Kang is the Chair-Elect of TESOL CALL-IS and the Founder and President of OLOH, a non-profit dedicated to the mental health care of sexual abuse victims. She is an accomplished author, advocate, and educator at Saigon International University, Vietnam, and holds a Ph.D. in Education from Iowa State University.