Program

9:00-10:00 Open plenary: Language, communication, behavior, and culture. What are we trying to affect? by Ian McMaster

What are the goals of language teaching and training? In this talk, we will discuss the relative importance of influencing our clients’/students’ language output, communication skills, behaviour and even their culture. Although the main focus will be on the world of work, the lessons will be relevant for all contexts.

10:15-11:00 Panel discussion: Challenges to going global with your online English teaching by an international community of online teachers and moderated by Dr. David Bish

Dr. David Bish will be asking our invited panel representing international teacher recruitment, teacher training and teachers themselves for their perspectives on how we deal with questions such as the native non-native teacher debate, international training standards and varying student expectations of what happens in the classroom. A lively and informed conversation, relevant to online teachers wherever they are with direct questions from the audience to keep it real.

11:15-12:00 Defeating Systemic Bias in English Language Teaching by Meri Maroutian

The session aims to raise awareness on how the pervasive ideology of Native Speakerism can operate within the field of English language teaching while providing a reflective approach and actionable steps for teachers and stakeholders to take in order to defeat the systemic bias present in our industry.

12:00-12:30 Introducing Hyperclass by John Wallen

In this session, John will introduce Hyperclass - EF's award-winning, cutting-edge, immersive language teaching platform. Whether you've never heard of Hyperclass before, or you're already teaching with Hyperclass, come along and find out what's new!

13:00-13:30 Materials that look like the real world: Three simple tips for instantly making your materials more inclusive by Lottie Galpin

Traditional coursebooks tend to centre certain identities and experiences, and exclude others. This means materials may not look like ‘the real world’, or reflect the lives of learners. In this practical session, we’ll consider what we mean by representing ‘the real world’, and look at three practical ways that teachers can easily make their materials more inclusive.

14:00-14:30 Emerging Technologies in Online Education by Gerdia de Kock

This presentation explores the use of gamification and Mixed Realities (MR) in online education. These technologies offer enhanced accessibility, engagement, and learning outcomes. They provide tailored education, inclusivity, and practical applications. AI-driven tutoring systems provide real-time feedback while learning assistants offer personalized recommendations. Concerns about accessibility, ethical issues, and instructor professional development are addressed. Future trends and possibilities would also be part of the discussion.

15:00-15:45 Understanding Learners' Diversity by Aria Han

This session will focus on recognizing and discussing various aspects of diversity in education, such as cultural differences and empathy with learners from different backgrounds. We'll also ensure inclusive and productive classrooms. We'll start by analyzing classroom misunderstandings due to cultural differences and then discuss different learner types and how to address their specific needs.

16:00-17:00 Closing plenary: Aesthetic Moments, Attention, and Engagement: Crafting the Online English Class by Divya Madhavan.

What transforms an online English language class from routine to remarkable? It's the class that becomes an aesthetic highlight of our day: stimulating our minds, enriching our conversations, and helping us connect a little deeper with our English-speaking selves. These aesthetic moments in learning can only happen through good quality engagement. But what is engagement in the online ELT classroom? I define it as the collective readiness of participants to throw themselves fully into the learning experience. How is this “readiness” reached? Well, I’ve been on a bit of a journey myself to find it.

In this closing plenary, I will wrap up some of the rich themes of the 2024 EF Teach Online Conference by exploring the underpinnings of meaningful engagement and the importance of authentic and significant interaction in enriching the learning experience. I will critically assess the impact of persuasive technology on focus and involvement within online learning environments and join my fellow speakers in suggesting strategies for crafting more engaging and effective English classes in today's digital landscape.

Join the conference by registering here!