Invited Workshops

Poopon Kornwipa - Designing Tasks to Promote Media and Information Literacy Skills in EFL Classrooms

Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Abstract

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to critically evaluate and engage with media and information is essential, particularly for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners (UNESCO, 2021). This workshop aims to equip English language teachers with innovative strategies to integrate media and information literacy (MIL) into their language teaching practices. Participants will explore the intersection of language learning and critical thinking through task-based approaches that foster analytical skills, enabling students to navigate the complexities of online information. The workshop will begin by providing a theoretical framework for understanding MIL and its relevance in EFL contexts. Through a need analysis conducted with EFL students, we will discuss the challenges faced by learners in discerning credible sources and developing a critical mindset towards media consumption. Through interactive sessions, teachers will engage in collaborative brainstorming activities to design effective tasks that not only improve language proficiency but also enhance students´ ability to critically assess information. Practical examples will illustrate how to incorporate diverse media forms—including articles, videos, online games, and social media content—into lesson plans, encouraging students to evaluate bias, identify misinformation, and formulate reasoned arguments. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights, fostering a community of practice focused on MIL in EFL education. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a toolkit of adaptable task designs and resources, empowering them to cultivate critical media and nformation literacy skills among their students. Ultimately, this workshop aims to contribute to developing informed, discerning learners who can confidently navigate the digital landscape, enhancing both their language skills and their capacity for critical engagement in an interconnected world.

Sake Jager - Virtual Exchange: Diverse perspectives and objectives

University of Groningen, the Netherlands

Abstract

This 2.5 hour workshop will bring in perspectives from facilitators across the globe on different aspects of virtual exchange. We will consider steps in designing and running VE projects, focusing on aspects such as getting started on the VE, deciding on the topics, task design and learning outcomes, linking to UN SDGs, and making projects sustainable. The facilitators will draw on their personal expertise, experiences and examples when leading breakout groups on various perspectives of virtual exchange.

The workshop consists of the following parts:

• Welcome & introduction: Sake Jager, University of Groningen
• Three segments
• Debriefing & conclusion: Sake Jager, University of Groningen

Leo Gomez & Andrew Woodbury - Tech-Teach-Talk: Leveraging Podcasting as Task Type

Learn Your English

Abstract

This workshop explores the potential of podcasting as a powerful tool for second/additional language teaching, learning, and research within a task-based language teaching (TBLT) framework. Designed for educators and researchers, the session will demonstrate how podcasting supports the holistic use of language across various contexts—personal, professional, social, and artistic.

Participants will gain insights into the pedagogical benefits of both listening to and creating podcasts, discovering how podcasting serves as a communicative activity that engages learners’ linguistic knowledge (phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and discourse) to make meaning.

The workshop will be structured around a combination of theory and practice, while introducing key pedagogical benefits of podcasting, both as an input-based and production-based task, aligning with Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT).

Participants will see examples of two successful projects that used podcasts — one from Carleton University, focusing on MA students and corrective feedback, and another showcasing how podcasting fosters learners' engagement in podcast creation, encourages students to practice language outside the classroom and promote autonomy, all while using accessible tools such as smartphones and Audacity.

Key topics include:

• The advantages of using podcasts in language teaching and research
• How podcasting promotes holistic learning - integrating listening, speaking, research skills and critical thinking
• Practical steps for designing podcast-based tasks in the classroom

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how podcasting can enhance both student engagement and language proficiency. A live podcast recording featuring a surprise guest will demonstrate the real-time potential of the medium. A Q&A session will follow, providing an opportunity for discussion and exploration of individual applications.