Factors influencing EAL teachers’ uptake of AI for teaching and implications for professional development
15 August 2024, 4:30pm – 5:30pm AEST, Online
The education sector has recently witnessed a growing appetite for teaching and learning applications powered by AI and Generative AI. While many teachers have adjusted to these advances in technology, they have also observed that their roles are being changed through an increasing role for AI in teaching and learning systems. This underlines the importance of supporting teachers’ AI efficacy through curated training and professional development solutions. The introduction of a bespoke AI-powered language support application at AMES Australia has augmented the range of learning support for its students from migrant and refugee backgrounds studying EAL courses. As well as training the students to use the app, AMES provided its teachers with professional development sessions on the use of AI in education. This presentation reports on research findings from a survey-based case study of the AMES EAL teachers’ perspectives about and experiences with using AI and the AI app for teaching. This session will present findings about the factors that influenced EAL teachers’ adoption of AI in their teaching practice, opportunities for influencing enhancements of the app, and the type of ongoing professional development they would need to fully integrate AI pedagogically and contextually for their students. The presentation includes an opportunity for participants to hear from both the researcher about the research findings, conclusions and implications and from the AMES Education Quality Manager about the design and delivery of AI professional development at AMES. Participants will have an opportunity to also hear about the limitations and gaps in the current AIED research literature and contribute ideas for future research.
Louise Smith
Louise Smith is a higher degree research student in the area of AI and EAL teaching. She was recently awarded her MTESOL by dissertation for her research into EAL teachers’ use of AI. She is an experienced EAL tutor and consultant, with a long-standing interest in helping migrants and refugees increase their English proficiency for employment and business development. Prior to commencing a research degree, she held a number of senior executive roles with the former Department of Immigration where she had the opportunity to live and work in different locations in Australia and overseas. These experiences kindled an interest for her to pursue post-retirement opportunities to contribute to community service organisations that are supporting migrants and refugees in Australia.
Dr Tanya Tran
Dr. Tanya Tran, the Education Manager Quality Teaching and Learning at AMES, is the driving force behind the design of professional development programs for EAL teachers that are in line with AMES’ strategic priorities, including AI and digital engagement. With her Ph.D. in education, majoring in TESOL from the University of Melbourne, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Before assuming her current role, she worked as an English teacher educator at a prestigious university overseas, and as a research specialist in USAID-funded projects. Dr. Tran’s publications focus on teaching practices that promote student learning in higher education settings, keeping in mind the cultural and contextual features of each particular context. Her expertise in this field is unparalleled, and she is highly respected for her work.
Cost
$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations affiliated with ACTA)
$30 – Non-members
Become a member today, for member prices!
