The Dynamics of Languages for Specific Purposes
Innovative Approaches and Strategies
Keynote speakers
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction.
Professor Mairéad Pratschke is a leader in digital and AI innovation for learning and development, a pioneer in the field of AI pedagogy, and a trusted advisor on AI transformation across education, industry and government. Author of Generative AI and Education (2024), she is focused on the impact of AI on our societies, economies and political cultures; on the future of work and learning; and on how to meet the challenges and opportunities that this wave of technological change presents. She is a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Data Science Institute (DSI) and a Research Fellow at the USA's National AI Institute for Adult Education and Online Learning (AI-ALOE). She sits on the AI-ALOE External Advisory Board (EAB), the Irish Digital Learning Institute (DLI)'Industry Advisory Council, and the Government of Portugal's National Council on Pedagogical Innovation in Higher Education (CNIPES).
Title of plenary speech:
Language Learning in Intelligent (Human + AI) Communities
Learning languages has always meant using technology. From radio to television to film to the internet, people the world over have used technology to learn and practice languages. The internet enabled the creation of a global community of students and educators, and has contributed to the survival and growth of minority and indigenous languages. Soon after ChatGPT entered the mainstream in late 2022, apps like Duolingo became AI powered, and in 2024, when OpenAI introduced voice mode, the world of language learning changed forever. Learners now have access to their own personal language tutor, with whom they can learn and practice at any time of the day or night. Generative AI is therefore changing the role of the educator, from being the sole source of authority to one of multiple presences in a learning community. What does this mean for language education? For educators, how do we design learning for a world where students learn, practice and speak with AIs? For students, what knowledge, skills and competencies do they need in a world where GenAI translates everything for them? For language tutors, what does this mean for how we teach and practice language skills? For translators, what does this shift mean for intercultural communication? In this keynote, Mairéad will outline what the new hybrid of human + AI means for the future of language education and invite you to consider the future of language education in a world where learning with AIs in intelligent communities is normal.
Keynote speakers
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Monica Lorenz / Oberstudienrätin (senior teacher) / Oswald-von-Nell-Breuning-Schule Europaschule Rödermark, Germany is an experienced high school educator and Fulbright scholar specializing in Project-Based Learning and Content Language Integrated Learning. Ms Lorenz teaches English, Business English and Human Geography at Oswald-von-Nell-Breuning-Schule Europaschule, a secondary education institution located in the metropolitan area of Frankfurt, Germany. The school was nominated for Deutscher Schulpreis and was selected among the seven best schools in Germany in 2020. A passionate advocate for engaging learning environments, Ms Lorenz has turned her classroom into a project-based learning landscape, with students working in teams on cross-curricular topics. Her students' projects take part regularly in the national competition Bundeswettbewerb für Fremdsprachen, with notable recognition in form of numerous national awards. Her Fulbright experience at the University of Connecticut, US in 2017 focused on Diversity in Education. As a Fulbright alumna Ms Lorenz is active in the field of Public Diplomacy.
Workshop title: Bridging Theory and Practice - A Workshop on Project-Based Learning. Strategies for creating meaningful, collaborative learning experiences
The workshop on project-based pedagogical approaches aims to inspire educators to design engaging, student-centered learning experiences that develop 21st century essential communication skills, critical thinking and collaboration.
Key Objectives
· Learn how to design meaningful, interdisciplinary projects
· Develop strategies for facilitating creative student-driven learning.
· Classroom materials and teaching plans to foster literacy development and deep learning.
Keynote speakers
Professor Răzvan Cherecheș PhD is a leading expert in Public Health, Health Communication, and Health Innovation, with a rich academic background and a dynamic, engaging presentation style. As a professor at Babeș-Bolyai University, he has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between evidence-based research and real-world applications, particularly in integrating innovative technologies into education and healthcare. Renowned for his ability to simplify complex topics, Professor Cherecheș advocates using artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool in academia. His talks combine cutting-edge research, practical insights, and interactive demonstrations, making them highly relevant and actionable for educators and researchers. With extensive experience in teaching, public speaking, and health communication, Professor Cherecheș has developed a reputation for delivering thought-provoking, out-of-the-box ideas that challenge conventional approaches while empowering his audiences. His work emphasizes the ethical and effective integration of AI in specialized fields, ensuring that technology enhances human creativity and expertise rather than replacing them.
Workshop title: AI in Action: Enhancing Teaching and Research in Specialized Languages with ChatGPT
This workshop explores the practical applications of ChatGPT in teaching and research within specialized language fields. Participants will learn how to leverage AI to create engaging learning materials, streamline research processes, and foster innovation in language education.