HUMANISING TECHNOLOGY in Language Learning & Teaching

Abstract

What stays the same when everything changes? Technological developments, in particular in AI, present us with challenging and urgent questions. However, these are often prompted by the technology, rather than by us. As a result, we may end up looking for answers to questions that are not relevant to us. In this presentation I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: with us teachers and our learners.
For this, I introduce the concept of Positive CALL (Reinders, forthcoming), or a values-based-approach to the use of technology that aims to enhance learner and teacher wellbeing and thriving. This is a humanistic perspective that places personal growth at the heart of our conversations about technology and that fosters educational sustainability.
At a practical level, I present ways in which teachers can (help their learners to) take a more constructive and agentic approach to technology. I give examples of ways in which technology has served the educational needs and goals of communities, not the other way around. I show everyday strategies that can help us develop digital wellbeing and demonstrate how teachers can exert leadership to maintain control over their professional identity and aspirations. The aim of the presentation is to imagine new, human-centred opportunities for the role of technology in education.

Speaker

About the Speaker

Dr. Hayo Reinders (www.innovationinteaching.org) is TESOL Professor and Director of the doctoral programme at Anaheim University in the USA as well as Professor of Applied Linguistics at KMUTT in Thailand. Hayo is Editor of the journal Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching and edits a book series on “New Language Learning and Teaching Environments”. He founded the Institute for Teacher Leadership. He has published 30 books and over 200 articles on such topics as teacher leadership, learner autonomy, and educational technology. He is a speaker for the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Date

4 July, 2024

Time

10:00-11:30

Location

Room 408-410, Meng Wah Complex, HKU

Chair

Prof. Chun LAI