All times shown in CDT (Central Daylight Time — Central U.S.). Here is a nice online time zone map if you need it.
Register for Workshops
Monday, July 12
Developing Online Language Skills for the Post-pandemic Classroom
9:00am-12:00noon CDT
Conducted by: Ursula Stickler and Martina Emke
In the workshop we will discuss your (training) needs as teachers/teacher trainers regarding the use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in the language classroom. We will also explore activities that you can use in your classroom, reflect on techniques for achieving sustainability of results related to the integration of ICT tools in language teaching, and share experiences and ideas for teachers and teacher trainers. Participants will be encouraged to work together on interactive and collaborative tasks. The workshop is linked to the work of the ICT-REV project (http://ict-rev.ecml.at/) and based on the Developing Online Teaching Skills project (DOTS, http://dots.ecml.at/).
Exploring Instructional Possibilities of Immersive VR
with Oculus Quest 2/GO and WANDER
9:00am-12:00noon CDT
Conducted by: Kazumi Hatasa and Samet Baydar
The objective of this workshop is to explore instructional possibilities of Immersive VR, using Oculus Quest2 (or GO) and app called WANDER. WANDER is a commercial app ($10) designed to provide virtual travel by converting Google Street View in 360 degree VR images. You will first learn basic operations of Oculus VR headset and how to navigate in WANDER. Then, several instructional applications (group travel, local presentations) are presented to help participants develop their own task-based activities. Participants must have an access to Oculus Quest2 (or GO) and WANDER. No computer programming skills are necessary.
Moving Your Language Teaching Online: An Opportunity to Discuss Best Practice
9:00am-12:00noon CDT
Conducted by: Hélène Pulker and Elodie Vialleton
Over a year on after the rapid and unplanned move of teaching provision online for all higher education institutions due to COVID-19, it is legitimate to ask whether the digital technologies deployed in the context of a crisis will have a lasting impact. Our workshop will introduce participants to the ‘Moving your language teaching online’ toolkit (Open University, 2020) including the pedagogic principles underpinning it. The workshop will involve participants in reviewing teaching approaches adopted in their institutions, sharing expertise and discussing which aspects of digital pedagogies are here to last.
Tuesday, July 13
How to Gamify A Classroom Activity
10:30am-1:30am CDT
Conducted by: Yaniv Oded and Ilknur Oded
The use of games is rapidly growing in education. According to Johnson et. al. (2014), the average age of today’s gamers is 30 and over 68% of these gamers are 18 years or older indicating that learners in this age group are more receptive to gamified activities in the classroom. This workshop will introduce strategies to gamify classroom activities that can help us enhance learner engagement. Presenters will demonstrate how to integrate elements of the Gamification Design Model (GAFCC) using Challenge Board, Quizziz, and SmartBoard Games. Participants will be provided with a step-by step guide and plenty of hand-on practice.
Thursday, July 15
Virtual Reality: Immersion, Exploration, and Creation of VR Spaces
9:00am-12:00noon CDT
Conducted by: Tricia Thrasher and Randall Sadler
This workshop will begin with a short overview of 7 VR spaces that the workshop leaders examined in a research study involving 30 future and current language educators. These spaces range from ones that are aimed at younger users (e.g. VRChat) to those aimed at a wider audience (e.g. Altspace) to one aimed at the elderly (e.g. Alcove). After an overview by the workshop leaders, participants will explore a subset of the VR spaces with partners via guided exploration with questions and tasks to complete. Participants will then share their experiences and pedagogical suggestions.
Designing a Digital Escape Room for Education
1:00pm-4:00pm CDT
Conducted by: Jendra Elbek
Imagine being immersed in a forest, a submarine, or a museum while you hunt for clues and solve puzzles with a team of interesting characters to learn a new language. With a digital escape room for education (DERE), you can! Learn how to use an immersive web application where you can upload 360 degree imagery, create hidden puzzles and locks, and deliver an engaging experience for your language learning students.
Friday, July 16
Ludic Language Pedagogy (or: How to Teach with Games and Play)
4:00pm-7:00pm CDT
Conducted By: James York
This workshop focuses on the practical application of ludic activities (games and play) in language teaching contexts. The presenters will introduce many ludic activities. However, rather than hyping games, the workshop will focus more importantly on pedagogy and teacher roles. What methodology will you choose? What materials will you create? And how will you mediate when teaching? Practical teaching models will be presented including worksheets, photos, and student-created products. Finally, attendees will work together to design a ludic language pedagogy teaching plan that they can use in their own context with ongoing guidance from the presenters.
Register for Workshops