Christopher (Chris) Sanders, originally from the USA, combines a quarter century of experience in technology and language education. With a background in computer information systems and corporate training, Chris transitioned to ESL/EFL in 2004, first in South Korea before moving to Turkey in 2013. Currently serving as the Associate Director for Assessments at MEF University's School of Foreign Languages in Istanbul, he is keenly interesting in the responsible integration of EdTech and AI into language education. He is currently completing a seconds Master's deree, in Language Education with NILE/University of Chichester, further bridging technology and language instruction.

Title: "Navigating the AI Frontier: Responsible Use of Generative AI in Language Education"

Abstract:

As generative AI technologies like large language models (LLMs) rapidly transform the landscape of education, language teachers and administrators find themselves at a critical juncture. This plenary talk explores the responsible, purposeful, and ethical integration of AI tools into language teaching practices, looking at lesson planning and materials development, assessment, policy writing, internal and external communication, and more.

I will examine both the potential benefits and pitfalls of leveraging AI in the language classroom. The discussion will highlight best practices that can enhance teaching efficiency and creativity, such as using AI for personalized learning content generation and rapid prototyping of lesson ideas. Conversely, I will address concerning trends, including over-reliance on AI-generated content, potential biases in AI outputs, and the risk of diminishing teacher autonomy and creativity.

The talk will also touch upon the importance of developing students' AI literacy, enabling them to critically evaluate AI-generated content and use these tools responsibly in their language learning journey. By fostering a nuanced understanding of AI's role in language education, we aim to empower educators to make informed decisions that balance technological innovation with pedagogical integrity.

Ultimately, this presentation seeks to start a dialogue on establishing guidelines for responsible AI use in language education, ensuring that these powerful tools serve to augment rather than replace human expertise and creativity in the teaching process.