Day1: Nov 15, 2024 (Fri) – Keynote Speaker (Online)
Mr Joe Dale
Independent Languages Consultant, UK
Session Title
AI-Enhanced Japanese: Personalising the Learning Journey
Abstract
This keynote explores innovative applications of AI in Japanese language education, focusing on enhancing student engagement and cultural immersion. We’ll examine how AI-powered conversational chatbots can provide safe spaces for speaking practice, building confidence and fluency. We’ll explore AI-generated immersive storytelling to deepen cultural understanding and vocabulary acquisition. The presentation will demonstrate how AI-driven text-to-speech technology can support pronunciation and listening skills, while AI-powered image generation can create diverse, engaging visual materials for language learning. We’ll also discuss AI tools for enhancing the accessibility of learning resources, ensuring inclusive experiences for all students. The integration of these AI capabilities with quality published resources will be addressed, striking a balance between technological innovation and proven pedagogical methods. By showcasing these practical applications, we aim to inspire educators to harness AI’s potential in fostering genuine communication skills and reigniting community interest in Japanese language learning.
Biography
Joe Dale is an independent languages consultant from the UK who works with a range of organisations such as The Association for Language Learning, The British Council, the BBC, Skype, Microsoft and The Guardian. He was host of the TES MFL forum for six years, former SSAT Languages Lead Practitioner, a regular conference speaker and recognised expert on technology and language learning. He has spoken at conferences and run training courses in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, the Far East and Australasia. He was described in a Guardian article as an ‘MFL guru’ and ‘the man behind the #mfltwitterati’’. Joe’s FB group ‘Language Teaching with AI already has over 2500 members.
Day2: Nov 16, 2024 (Sat) – Panel Speakers
Session Title
Exploring, Understanding and Discussing All Aspects of Japanese Language Education
Abstract
This comprehensive panel session will feature five expert speakers who will delve into the multifaceted world of Japanese language education. This session aims to provide a thorough exploration of the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities faced by educators in this field. It will explain latest research into the Japanese language educator community and explore the current situation for teachers, new teachers and pre-service teachers.
- To highlight and address the key challenges and opportunities in Japanese language education.
- To disseminate the latest research findings and their practical implications.
- To share experiences and strategies from experienced, new and pre-service teachers.
- To foster an interactive and collaborative environment for educators to discuss and exchange ideas.
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Dr Gary Bonar
Senior Lecturer in Languages & TESOL
Monash University, VIC
Biography
Gary Bonar is a Senior Lecturer in Languages and TESOL at Monash University. His research is in the areas of language teacher education and language teacher identity. Previously he taught languages (Italian, Japanese and EAL) and was a member of secondary school leadership. He also has extensive international experience teaching English as a foreign language in parts of Asia and Europe. Gary’s research focuses on language teacher identity dynamics, aiming to optimize the preparation and support for language teachers in schools.
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Ms Katherine Brownlee
President
Japanese Teachers Associations of NSW (JTAN), NSW
Japanese Teacher
Gosford High School, NSW
Biography
Katherine Brownlee is a Japanese teacher at Gosford High School on the Central Coast of NSW. Passionate about the learning and teaching of languages, Katherine has taught Japanese at tertiary level, and in comprehensive and selective secondary schools in NSW. Katherine has a strong interest in student retention, engagement and motivation at all levels of learning and is always looking for more effective strategies, techniques and approaches to further increase student interest in learning a foreign language. Katherine is a strong believer in the power of research and data, particularly student feedback, to enhance her teaching, and is constantly seeking to extend and improve her practice in the classroom.
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Ms Sherryl Saunders
Former Treasurer
The Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (AFMLTA), QLD
Biography
Sherryl Saunders is currently Treasurer of the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (AFMLTA). She has a well-established relationship with AFMLTA, fulfilling a variety of roles on the national body’s executive including a term as President.
Sherryl has been a teacher of students from Year 1 through to secondary students in schools and a teacher of pre-service education students. She has been a teacher, including languages, in particular Japanese; a curriculum consultant and an assistant principal. Sherryl has a keen interest in maximising teacher quality to ensure maximised opportunities for learners. She has recently completed her PhD investigating the support provided to beginning language teachers.
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Mr Andrew Scrimgeour
Adjunct Research Fellow
University of South Australia, SA
Biography
Andrew is an adjunct research fellow at the University of South Australia. He was course coordinator for the Master of Teaching, Languages Education specialisation for over 20 years. He was recently involved in a national project to review of program provision and student participation in languages learning in Australian schools, as part of a national project to develop a strategy and plan for Language Education in Australian schools. Andrew’s research interests focus on aspects of languages teaching and learning in schools, including curriculum design, textbook design, learner engagement, and assessment practices, with a primary focus is on Chinese language teaching and learning.
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Arranged in alphabetical order
