Speaker
Description
In the age of the internet and rapid technological change, keeping students engaged in the language classroom has become both essential and increasingly challenging. The days of relying solely on textbooks—no matter how colorful or interactive—are behind us. Today’s learners are used to fast, easily digestible content like TikTok videos and Instagram Reels that deliver information in under a minute. Compared to these, traditional grammar exercises and lengthy explanations are considered outdated and uninspiring.
This presentation explores how AI-powered tools can help TESOL teachers to bridge this gap by making English language teaching more interactive, personalized, and and aligned with students' digital habits. Drawing on classroom-based applications, the study evaluates a selection of tools—including Diffit.me, PlayPhrase.me, TalkPal.ai, Napkin.ai, and others—used with intermediate English learners across multiple skill areas.
The session will outline practical implementation strategies, learner feedback, and pedagogical outcomes, highlighting how these technologies can complement communicative language teaching. The findings suggest that purposeful integration of AI not only fosters engagement but also reinforces the teacher’s role as a guide and facilitator in an increasingly automated learning environment.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, TESOL, digital language learning, student engagement, edtech tools, personalized learning
