LTSIG: The floor is yours!

 AI-Driven Innovation in ESL Education: Exploring the Pedagogical Benefits of Twee presented by Alina Liubimova

This presentation examines the application of artificial intelligence in English language teaching through Twee, an AI-powered platform designed to streamline EFL lesson planning. By utilizing advanced natural language processing models, Twee enables educators to generate customized and CEFR-aligned lesson materials in a fraction of the time traditionally required. This session will present empirical insights into how Twee supports differentiated instruction, facilitates adaptation to mixed-ability classrooms, and enhances pedagogical efficiency. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the role of AI in educational innovation and its practical implications for ESL.

Alina Liubimova is the Product Manager at Twee, where she leads the development of AI-driven tools for language teachers. A former university lecturer and researcher, she applies her academic expertise to create innovative educational solutions. Alina holds a Master of Science in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from the University of Oxford.
 

Digital Storytelling in ESL Classroom: Combining Creativity and Technology for Language Practice presented by Dr. Syndhya J

Abstract: In a multilingual, mixed-proficiency classroom, how can digital tools be leveraged to improve language acquisition? This presentation explores the use of digital storytelling to enhance both writing and speaking skills in ESL students. Drawing from my personal experience teaching in a multilingual classroom in India, where learners have diverse linguistic backgrounds, I will share insights from my experimentation with the Book Creator app. This tool has proven effective in helping students express themselves creatively while improving their language skills. The session will also emphasise practical strategies for integrating digital storytelling into the curriculum, ultimately revealing how these technologies can bridge proficiency gaps and empower diverse learners.

Dr. Syndhya is an Assistant Professor at SASTRA Deemed to be University, Chennai, India, specialising in Business Communication and Soft Skills. Passionate about integrating technology into education, she explores the use of digital storytelling and AI to enhance learning experiences in multilingual classrooms. An advocate for the flipped classroom model, Dr. Syndhya aims to create engaging and effective language learning environments for students of varying proficiency levels.
 

Riding the Waves of AI in ELT: The Untapped Potential of Student-Driven Prompts presented by Leonardo Marinho Dias Lima

In ELT, AI tools are often used primarily for their responses, acting as ready-made materials for various classroom activities. But what if we shift our focus to the prompts themselves? This workshop explores the potential of AI prompts in empowering learners, with student-generated prompts serving as an authentic form of production that drives deeper learning. Drawing on recent studies, discussions, classroom practices, and his dissertation research, Leonardo Marinho Dias Lima introduces creative and effective prompting in ELT, demonstrating how it mirrors language functions and fosters real-world communication. Attendees will reflect on their own AI practices, considering how they encourage students to use AI as a tool for consolidating target language in class. Through practical examples and activities, this workshop will uncover how AI prompts can enhance language awareness, spark creativity, and counter bias in ways that AI responses alone cannot. Come along to explore the untapped potential of prompting in the AI-driven classroom and discover ways to foster more authentic language engagement.

Leonardo Marinho Dias Lima is an ELT educator and MEd TESOL graduate from the University of Exeter, where he studied as a Hornby Scholar (2023–2024). With 18 years of experience in language teaching, teacher training, curriculum development, and intercultural communication, his work emphasizes innovative approaches to empower language learners. Leonardo’s recent MEd dissertation explored the intersection of AI and TESOL in Brazil, focusing on the affordances and challenges of using AI as a co-creative tool to enhance language teaching and learning. He has presented internationally on teacher development and technology in ELT and is currently a graduate teaching assistant for term 1 (2024-2025) in the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL program. In his work, Leonardo champions student agency, encouraging educators to harness technology in ways that amplify learner voices.

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