The popularity of language learning apps is rising due to their convenience, flexibility, and accessibility worldwide. Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has the potential to connect local and global contexts, promote self-paced individual learning and social interaction, and motivate learners through gamification and social media-like features. However, MALL applications need to adhere more closely to second language acquisition principles to truly drive learning. This presentation introduces the Eduling Speak app, which aims to enhance communicative competence and language development through task-based and text-based approaches. Teachers can also integrate the available tasks into their courses and monitor students’ task performance and progress.

Dr. Linh Phung is an experienced language teacher, researcher, book author, and creator of Eduling Speak, an app offering English courses based on input-based, AI-human, and human-human communicative tasks. She served as an English Language Specialist with the U.S. Department of State in 2023 and has presented to teachers worldwide

Utilizing computer-mediated communication in multiple languages is a cutting-edge approach to developing multicultural and multilingual abilities among language learners. Research shows that texting aids language production, vocabulary acquisition, and cultural understanding, especially in authentic interactions. This session introduces Pangea Chat, an AI-powered multimodal app funded by the National Science Foundation. It allows teachers to set up topics and tasks for learners to discuss in both their first and target languages. The app supports learners through an AI chatbot, interactive sentence building, and accessible translation and dictionary. Teachers can easily integrate it into classes and track students' language use and progress.

Will Jordan-Cooley is an educational technologist, specializing in gameful learning experiences. At Columbia University's Teachers College, he focused on climate change education. Will is the founder of Pangea Chat, an NSF-funded project that lets students learn a language while texting their friends and helps educators to facilitate classroom conversation practice.

This session explores the critical dos, don’ts, and how tos of generative AI. It builds through emphasis on ethical considerations, best practices, and potential pitfalls. Participants will explore how to responsibly develop, integrate, and deploy strategies using generative AI through an approach of ethics, transparency, and privacy. Key topics include avoiding biases, preventing misuse, and maintaining data integrity. Practical guidelines and real-world examples will illustrate the importance of ethical AI, fostering a deeper understanding of how to harness the power of generative AI while mitigating risks.

As researcher for WIDA Español, Grazzia Maria Mendoza facilitates research processes and design of resources for professional development through innovation, contextualization during implementation and promotion of complex, consistent, and quality research. She has 30 years’ experience in education at all levels including PK-12, higher education, and adult education. She was a member of the TESOL International Association board of directors from 2019-2022.

Storytelling has long been a powerful tool in language learning, engaging learners emotionally and cognitively to enhance retention and comprehension. The immersive nature of stories allows learners to contextualize vocabulary and grammar within meaningful narratives, making the learning process more intuitive and enjoyable. Artificial intelligence has the power to transform education through its ability to process and generate large amounts of data, creating personalized learning experiences. Thus, this session explores the cutting-edge integration of artificial intelligence in narrative generation to facilitate language education. By leveraging advanced AI algorithms, educators can develop dynamic stories tailored to individual learners' proficiency levels, interests, and cultural contexts, fostering a deeper connection with the target language.

Amin Davoodi is assistant professor of bilingual/ESL education at the University of Texas Permian Basin. He received his PhD in ESL, technology, and teacher education from Texas A&M University in 2021. He has two decades of teaching experience, delivering keynotes, and training teachers around the world. His research interests are tech-driven equity for language learners, AI-assisted language learning, robot-assisted language learning, bilingual education, and sociopolitics of language education.