Theme and Sub-theme

Theme: Humanizing English Language Education in the Age of AI: Transformative Learning, Ethics, and Teacher Agency

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the educational landscape, the core of English Language Teaching (ELT) must remain profoundly human. This theme invites scholars, educators, and policymakers to explore how we can harness AI to transform language learning while safeguarding empathy, ethical standards, and the irreplaceable role of the teacher. We encourage submissions that do not merely view AI as a technological tool, but as an opportunity to redefine pedagogy, elevate critical thinking, and empower educators.

Sub-theme: 

1. Humanizing AI Integration

This sub-theme focuses on the intersection of advanced technology and human connection. It explores how AI can be utilized to enhance—rather than replace—empathy, cultural responsiveness, and personalized interaction in the language classroom. 

  • Fostering emotional intelligence and empathy in AI-assisted language learning.

  • Addressing cultural bias in AI language models to promote inclusivity.

  • Balancing automated feedback with human mentoring in ELT.

  • Designing personalized learning pathways using AI without losing peer-to-peer connection.

2. Transformative Learning and Critical AI Use

Moving beyond the superficial use of AI for grammar checks or translation, this sub-theme examines how AI can fundamentally change how students learn. It emphasizes the need for critical thinking when interacting with AI-generated content.

  • Teaching "Prompt Engineering" as a new critical thinking skill in ELT.

  • Using Large Language Models (LLMs) for critical discourse analysis.

  • Shifting learners from passive consumers of AI to active, critical co-creators.

  • Innovative pedagogical frameworks for integrating generative AI in speaking or writing classes.

3. Ethics and Academic Integrity

The rise of AI brings significant ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning plagiarism, data privacy, and the authenticity of student work. This area invites discussions on creating sustainable policies and ethical guidelines for AI in education.

  • Redefining plagiarism and authorship in the era of ChatGPT.

  • Developing institutional policies for the ethical use of generative AI.

  • Navigating data privacy and security in AI-driven educational platforms.

  • Students' and teachers' perceptions of ethical AI boundaries.

4. Teacher Agency and Professional Identity

Are teachers being replaced? No, their roles are evolving. This sub-theme highlights the empowerment of teachers. It explores how educators adapt, assert their pedagogical expertise, and reshape their professional identities when collaborating with intelligent machines.

  • Overcoming "AI Anxiety": Teachers' beliefs, readiness, and attitudes toward AI.

  • The shifting role of the English teacher: From knowledge provider to AI learning facilitator.

  • Teacher autonomy in designing AI-integrated curricula.

  • Professional development models to empower teachers in the AI era.

5. Assessment in the AI Era

If an AI can write a perfect essay in seconds, how do we evaluate student learning? This sub-theme addresses the urgent need to redesign assessments, moving from traditional product-based testing to process-oriented and authentic evaluations.

  • Designing "AI-proof" or "AI-resilient" writing prompts and assignments.

  • Shifting focus from the final product to the learning process in language assessment.

  • Using AI tools for formative assessment and generating dynamic rubrics.

  • Multimodal and oral assessments as alternatives to traditional written exams.

6. Digital & AI Literacy

Before AI can be used effectively, both educators and learners must understand how it works, its limitations, and its potential. This sub-theme focuses on the foundational skills required to navigate the AI ecosystem safely and proficiently.

  • Developing comprehensive AI literacy frameworks for English study programs.

  • Training pre-service English teachers in digital and AI competencies.

  • Bridging the digital divide: Ensuring equitable access to AI tools for all learners.

  • Evaluating the reliability and accuracy of AI-generated language resources.