2026 Conference Workshops
Tuesday, July 7
Sustained Integrated Professional Development for Generative AI (GenAI–SIPD)
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Leaders: Mathias Schulze and Phil Hubbard
Today’s language teachers need a solid foundation in generative AI (GenAI) to use it responsibly and effectively in their classes, and they need ongoing professional development (PD) to expand on that foundation and keep current. This workshop introduces a model to accomplish these goals: GenAI sustained integrated professional development (GenAI-SIPD) (Hubbard & Schulze, 2025). Following an introduction motivating GenAI-SIPD, participants critically explore the model’s ten core knowledge and skill areas and seven guiding principles. They then work collaboratively first on a selected area and then on implementing one of the principles for themselves. Participants can best prepare by reading https://tinyurl.com/GenAI-SIPD.
Wednesday, July 8
Using AI for SLA Research
9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Feng Xiao
This workshop will demonstrate the use of Luduan.ai, an AI-driven language learning platform, for second language acquisition (SLA) research. Participants will explore how AI can operationalize key SLA constructs and support empirical inquiry through four applications: incidental vocabulary acquisition in L2 reading, dynamic assessment of L2 writing, automated evaluation of pragmatic production, and input processing in L2 listening. Each example will show how to use data analytics, adaptive feedback, and controlled input delivery to test hypotheses from Input Processing, Dynamic Assessment, and Cognitive SLA frameworks. The session will provide methodological insights for AI-assisted research and implications for pedagogical innovation and assessment.
Blending Worlds: Mixed Reality Applications for Language Education
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Leaders: Randall Sadler, Zeynep Sinan, and Polianna Torres
This ½ day workshop introduces educators to Extended Reality (XR) for language learning, focusing particularly on Mixed Reality via Quest 3 headsets. Following a brief introduction of XR and how it has been shown to be useful for language learning (Stage 1), attendees will be taught how to use Meta Quest 3 headsets (Stage 2)—provided by the presenters. Stage 3 will introduce participants to existing MR apps with pedagogical potential for language teaching. All participants will be given access to a website with full tutorials for the various apps, lesson ideas, and a list of research on the topic.