Workshop on Language Teacher Preparation for an AI World

14 Dec, 2023

During the past two days November 28-29, 2023, the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City coordinated with the School of Foreign Languages, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) to organize a workshop on Language Teacher Preparation for an AI World with a presentation by Dr. Robert Godwin-Jones that attracted approximately 40 internal and external UEH English lecturers.

Dr. Robert Godwin-Jones is a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). His research interests include applied linguistics, technology and language learning, and intercultural communication. Dr. Robert has published five books and many articles and book chapters, and regularly participates in international conferences.

This workshop was part of a training series within the framework of the English Language Specialist program co-organized by the Regional English Language Office (RELO), the US Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. The course was aimed at helping students understand current trends in technology integrated language teaching and learning, and develop a plan to apply and adapt appropriate AI tools and digital technology with specific teaching and learning environments.

Overview of the workshop

Within the framework of the workshop, Dr. Robert Godwin-Jones presented key topics including:

- Artificial intelligence in language learning

- Artificial intelligence and language teacher education for the digital age

- Mobile-Assited Language Learning (MALL)

- Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

- Intercultural competence in language learning

Dr. Robert Godwin-Jones in the workshop

Dilivering a closing speech, Mr. Bui My Ngoc - Vice Dean of UEH School of Foreign Languages sent his thanks to RELO and the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for accompanying UEH throughout the process of organizing the workshop. He also said that UEH would strive to maintain the organization of workshops regularly to improve teaching expertise and the quality of foreign language education in the context of the digital age.

Mr. Bui My Ngoc - Vice Dean of UEH School of Foreign Languages - delivering the closing speech

At the end of the workshops, participants could be able to better understand the potential benefits and challenges of using artificial intelligence and digital technology in language education, facilitating discussions on ethical and social issues related to the use of technology in language learning. At the same time, learners could also develop ideas and plans for integrating artificial intelligence technology into their teaching and learning environment.

Learners receiving a certificate after completing the course

With a new position and stature of a Multidisciplinary and Sustainable University, UEH always aims to provide learners with an international standard learning environment, skills and knowledge. Therefore, UEH will constantly expand domestic and international cooperation, improve teaching expertise and training quality of lecturers towards fulfilling the mission of training a generation of global citizens and the vision of becoming a multidisciplinary and sustainable university with an academic reputation in Asia by 2030.

Additional images of the workshop: