VietTESOL International Convention 2024: “English Language Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

29 Jul, 2024

VietTESOL International Convention, the largest annual event in English language research and teaching in Vietnam, officially takes place on July 27 and 28, 2024, at University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) with the theme “English Language Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”. This is an opportunity for experts and educators to explore the changes driven by the AI revolution, and discuss how AI can shape the future of English language education.

VietTESOL International Convention (VIC) is the most anticipated annual event in English language research and teaching in Vietnam. The Convention is organized by VietTESOL Association in collaboration with the National Foreign Language Project Management Board under Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, and is significantly supported by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

Over the years, the VietTESOL Convention has become a prestigious forum, attracting a large number of experts, teachers, and researchers from around the world to share, exchange, and update the latest trends in teaching and research in this field. It also provides Vietnam with opportunities to advance in the international educational community, opening doors for global cooperation and development.

In 2024, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) is honored to co-organize this important academic event on July 27-28, 2024, with the opening ceremony at The Adora Grand View Convention Center (421 Ngo Gia Tu, Ward 9, District 5) and a series of academic activities at UEH’s Campus B, located at 279 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 5, District 10.

Notably, the Convention will be attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Training - Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc; Deputy Director General of International Cooperation Department - Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung; U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City - Ms. Susan Burns; Chairman of the VietTESOL Association - Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoa; Head of the National Foreign Language Project Management Board - Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu.

On behalf of UEH, there were Professor Dr. Su Đinh Thanh - President of UEH; Dr. Dinh Cong Khai - Vice President of UEH, and along with over 500 speakers and participants from various entities, organizations, schools, and institutes locally and internationally.

Overview of the opening session of VietTESOL International Convention

Speaking at the Convention, Deputy Minister of Education and Training - Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc emphasized: “VietTESOL has become a prestigious forum, gathering a large number of experts, teachers and researchers from all over the world. This is a clear demonstration of the strong commitment and support of the country as well as the international community for improving the quality of English teaching and learning in Vietnam. This year, I am very happy that the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) was chosen as a co-organizer of this important event. UEH, with an impressive history of development since 1976, has become a leading multidisciplinary university in Vietnam, not only famous for its excellent faculty and many international research projects, but also a school with a strategic vision and strong commitment to building a sustainable future. With the achievements and important contributions to the development of Vietnamese education, UEH is predicted to continue to promote its pioneering role, becoming a pioneer in applying artificial intelligence in education, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the country."

Deputy Minister of Education and Training - Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc giving a speech at the event

Appreciating the evaluation and trust of the Ministry of Education and Training, on behalf of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Prof.Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH shared: “With the strategy and vision to become a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University with academic reputation in Asia by 2030, UEH has always strived to bring comprehensive educational values to the community towards a sustainable future. And the VietTESOL International Convention 2024 is one of the activities that demonstrates this commitment of UEH. The convention promises to bring attendees in-depth knowledge, staying updated, as well as analyze multidimensional and new perspectives in teaching and learning English. This is also an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the fields of English teaching in the new era.”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh speaks at the opening ceremony

U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City - Ms. Susan Burns highly appreciated the importance of VietTESOL International Convention

Chairman of the VietTESOL Association - Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoa shared about the significance of the VietTESOL Convention and expressed his gratitude for the thoughtful organization of UEH.

With the theme "English Language Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", the Convention will feature 3 plenary sessions, 7 keynote sessions, 35 workshops, 169 parallel sessions, and 77 poster presentations, and 11 presentations on AI-powered English teaching tools at the technology fair.

This year’s VietTESOL Convention offers valuable professional exchange opportunities for experts and researchers in English teaching and AI. Presentations at the Convention are divided into three main areas: (1) AI Technology, (2) Teaching Methods and Applied Linguistics and (3) Professional Development, in which AI Technology is the main focus with plenary sessions presented by three keynote speakers: Dr. Justin Shewell (University of Arizona), Associate Professor Nguyen Van Long (University of Danang), and Dr. Adam Edmett (British Council).

Dr. Justin Shewell presents plenary session

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Van Long presented the plenary report session.

It is obvious that the advent of AI brings many benefits to education, from enhancing learning experiences to improving educational management efficiency. In English language education, AI plays a crucial role in creating dynamic learning environments that enhance personalized learning. However, the application of AI also comes with challenges such as ethical issues, data privacy, and the risk of over-reliance on automated systems.

Accordingly, VietTESOL 2024 delves into the potential and application of AI tools in building personalized and flexible learning experiences that go beyond geographical limits. Experts will share experience, develop skills in evaluating and selecting appropriate AI tools, ensuring they meet teaching objectives and learners’ needs.

Participants will gain insights into the multifaceted impacts of AI in English language teaching, and seize opportunities for innovation in teaching methods and curriculum design. Presentations, workshops, and technology fairs will provide practical strategies for teachers to address challenges when integrating AI into the classroom, thereby enhancing learner interaction, personalizing instruction, and optimizing the educational process.

With the knowledge and tools acquired, teachers can effectively make use of the power of AI, making it a valuable support tool rather than an obstacle in the teaching environment.

The VietTESOL 2024 International Convention at UEH was conducted successfully, officially closing with new opportunities for teaching English in the new era opening up.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the opening session of the Convention

* VietTESOL International Convention 2024 is supported by academic partners and sponsors, including the British Council, Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Consulate in Vietnam, Pearson Publishing, University of South Wales, National Geographic Learning, English House Center, Culture Development and Import-Export Company (CDIMEX), TESOL Simple Education Center, and Fahasa Book Distribution Company

Additional photos from the Convention:

Overview of the opening session of VietTESOL International Convention 2024

Dr. Adam Edmett, speaker from the British Council, presented the plenary session.

Ms. Summer Peixoto, speaker from RELO presents the workshop

Dr. Mai Huu - National Foreign Language Project Management Board speaks

Audience exchange and discuss with the speaker

Posters exhibition

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai - Vice President of UEH represented to present the flag to Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Trung Tinh - President of Can Tho University, the host of VietTESOL Convention 2025