Opening plenary
11.00 UK time - click here to see the time in your area of the world
'Getting started with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) – a hands-on session for language teachers' with Shaun Wilden (IATEFL Digital Chair)
When it comes to themes then one of the most talked one this year is generative AI. In such a short time it is already transforming how we generate and interact with content. As language educators, it is important to understand both the possibilities and limitations of this rapidly advancing tools. As such we’re kicking off our 'Themes 2023' event with a one-hour workshop. In it participants new to generative AI will leave with a starter toolkit to begin implementing generative AI. Those of you with experience will be able to share your advice about generative AI and give your tips on writing prompts.
We'll start with the basics, explaining core concepts like natural language processing and machine learning. Then we'll walk through examples of popular generative AI tools. The focus will be on practical application in the language teaching context. Teachers will have the opportunity to evaluate prompts and the AI-generated content it creates. Whether you're an AI pro or novice, this workshop will increase your understanding and build your skills and confidence in using this powerful new technology.
Session 1
12.00 UK time - click here to see the time in your area of the world
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'I am not a taboo: LGBTQIA+ in the ELT classroom' with Peter Fullagar (Freelance)
There are LGBTQIA+ students and teachers, so why aren’t we represented in materials? This interactive workshop guides teachers and materials writers through generating ideas for including improved representation in materials and in class. Using the speaker’s Existence series of resources, the session will explore why and how we can be more inclusive of rainbow identities.
'Harnessing hormones – the role of menstrual health in leadership' with Jennifer Holden (International House Language Centre, Palermo)
This workshop explores the role of women’s health in our language teaching organisations, investigating how raising awareness of the menstrual cycle and menopause can become a powerful tool for all leaders, both male and female.We will look at practical ways to move towards a more open dialogue surrounding hormonal health to enhance belonging and performance in our learning.
'Working towards a more inclusive English-language classroom: students with ADHD' with Wiktoria Allan (Berlin School of Economics and Law)
It is reported that 2.5-5% of adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Ginsberg et al., 2014). In this talk, I will give an overview of ADHD symptoms, particularly in university students, and give practical ways to create a fair and inclusive classroom, which is beneficial not only for those with an official diagnosis, but for everyone.
Session 2
13.15 UK time - click here to see the time in your area of the world
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'Publishing a lesson in Raise Up! – an inclusive material' with Taíza Lombardi (Freelance)
Having worked with older learners for many years, it was always clear to me that EFL materials underrepresented this age group by undermining their interests. Being able to publish my first lesson with Raise Up! – a uniquely diverse and inclusive self-published material – and give this talk to share my experience is a dream come true.
'Transferring passion for technology to female teachers of my community' with Abigail Ekangouo Awanga (CAMELTA)
This talks tells the story of a Cameroonian female teacher who is passionate about educational technology and who organizes workshops for female teachers in her community, helping them acquire basic digital skills to help them learn, teach and manage communities of practice.
'Adapting materials to teach speaking in a virtual reality environment' with Thu Thu Naing (INTO Manchester)
Virtual reality can enable learners to be fully immersed in the target language context and experience the culture and language. In this talk, I will talk about how I adapted an existing piece of teaching material to be used in a virtual reality environment incorporating task-based language teaching and principles by several linguists and how I taught VR lessons.
Session 3
14.00 UK time - click here to see the time in your area of the world
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'What do you meme? Incorporating memetic communication into language learning' with Ciarán Lynch (englii)
What is a meme?What are their roles in communication? How do teachers use memes' untapped potential in the classroom and prepare learners for their use? Using memes can be an effective way of teaching vocabulary and grammar while acting as support structures for learners. This workshop features fun practical tasks which participants can immediately use in any learning environment.
'English is puzzling: combining ELA puzzles to create “Escape Rooms” ' with Katherine Neginskiy (International Women's Resource Center)
Puzzles have shown to develop vocabulary, spelling, critical thinking skills, grammar and retention in language learners. Join this workshop to learn about the benefits of puzzles, what types of puzzles work, online tools for building custom puzzles, examples of themes for ELA“Escape Rooms” in both inperson, synchronous online, asynchronous teaching, and to receive an example Escape Room packet.
'Pronunciation & acting: becoming more intelligible and expressive' with Marisol Hernandez (UMSA-Universidad del Museo Social Argentino / Freelance)
This workshop invites participants to explore firsthand how adapted acting exercises can be introduced in the EFL pronunciation classroom. By taking a bespoke class based on relaxation exercises, vocal warm-ups, script analysis and readers’ theatre, attendees will experiment with this engaging physical approach that raises phonological awareness, combines reading practice and performing, and enhances students’ reading skills and confidence.