Bridging Cultures and Technologies: Enhancing Teacher Reflection in Vietnam through AI
Speaker: Ms. Mihaela Dascalu
Affiliation: INTESOL Worldwide Senior Trainer
Abstract:
This workshop aims to explore how AI can support meaningful teacher reflection within the specific cultural context of English language education in Vietnam. Drawing on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the presentation part outlines key factors—such as high power distance, collectivism, and long-term orientation—that influence how Vietnamese teachers engage with professional development and self-evaluation. Genuine reflection is essential for teacher growth, yet traditional practices may discourage open self-assessment or peer critique. This workshop demonstrates how AI tools can offer structured, private, and culturally respectful pathways for reflection that align with local values while encouraging deeper professional inquiry. Examples include AI-driven prompts, classroom data analysis, and mediated peer feedback systems. Participants will share their knowledge through collaboration during the workshop and leave with practical strategies and adaptable tools to promote reflective teaching in ways that are both context-sensitive and innovation-driven.
Bio:
Mihaela Dascalu’s surname comes from the Greek word for "teacher"—a fitting name for someone whose career in English language education spans over 40 years. She has taught General English to learners of all ages, English for Exams, and Academic English at university level. She holds a BA in English and French, a First Degree in Teaching, and an MA in TESOL from the School for International Training, USA. A long-standing member of BALEAP and ATEE, Mihaela has worked extensively with the British Council as a teacher trainer and trainer of trainers in Romania, and since 2005, as a senior trainer with INTESOL Worldwide, delivering Certificate and Diploma-level TESOL courses. Her professional interests include reflective teaching, the cultural dimensions of education, and promoting lifelong learning. She has trained teachers in Romania, Greece, the UAE, and Bangladesh, experiences that have shaped her both professionally and personally. Beyond the classroom, Mihaela enjoys playing the violin, reading literature, and travelling—always keen to immerse herself in the cultures and communities she visits.
AI in El Salvador’s English Classroom: Hype, Help, or Headache
Speaker: Dr. Vien Cao
Affiliation: Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios (ESEN) and Teachers Up, El Salvador
Abstract:
What do English teachers in El Salvador really think about AI? This presentation shares findings from a nationwide survey and focus groups with Salvadoran English teachers, revealing how 136 teachers of English perceive, use, and feel about AI tools in language teaching. While many are curious, only a few have taken the leap. Teachers see potential in AI for content creation and feedback but worry about accuracy, student over-reliance, and lack of training. Most agree: AI is a helpful assistant, not a replacement. Join the session to explore practical insights, challenges, and what’s needed to support teachers in using AI wisely.
Bio: Vien holds a Ph.D. in Learning Systems Design and Technology and an M.A. in TESOL from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is Professor of English and English Program Coordinator at Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios (ESEN) in El Salvador, where she also directs the Center for English as a Second Language. Vien is the co-founder and president of the Fulbright Alumni Research Group (FARGP), an organization focused on research, training, evaluation, and coaching. Since 2020, she has led Teachers Up, an initiative funded by the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, offering free professional development to English teachers in El Salvador and Guatemala. Her passion for language learning drives her exploration of how AI can enhance English teaching and empower both teachers and learners. Vien has presented at conferences worldwide and values every opportunity to connect with fellow professionals.
TBA
Speaker: Vickie Miller
Affiliation: INTESOL Worldwide Senior Trainer
Bio: Vickie Miller is a distinguished leader in learning and development. As the founder of Catalyzing Learning Services, LLC, her company is an exclusive provider of INTESOL Worldwide courses and franchises throughout the Southern States in the USA. Vickie holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is pursuing her doctorate in leadership at the University of the Cumberlands, with an expected graduation date of 2027.
From Awareness to Action: Ethics in Students’ AI Tools Use
Speaker: Dr. Tran Vu Diem Thuy
Affiliation: Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages - Information Technology
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly reshaping how university students learn, but how well do they understand the ethical implications of such tools? This study explores the ethical awareness of 308 Ho Chi Minh City university students and the challenges they faced when applying AI tools in academic settings. Through surveys and in-depth interviews, the study examined students’ use of AI tools, their understanding of ethical issues such as plagiarism and data privacy, and how they responded to AI-generated content. The findings reveal that students extensively relied on AI tools for convenience and efficiency, driven by perceived usefulness and ease of use for academic benefits. However, while many of them were aware of AI-related ethical principles, their application was inconsistent, highlighting a gap between what they knew and how they applied it. Additionally, unclear university policies on AI use worsened the issue, indicating the applications which were ethically questionable became normalized. Based on the findings, the study proposes recommendations for university authorities, lecturers, and students to encourage responsible and ethical AI integration in academic settings.
Bio: Tran Vu Diem Thuy earned her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Khon Kaen University – Thailand, under a fully-funded ASEAN-GMS scholarship. She has over 22 years of English teaching experience at university level. Since 2012, she has served as a teacher trainer in ICT Integration in ELT, delivering training courses for high school teachers of English in Mekong Delta such as Long An, Ben Tre, Dong Thap, and An Giang provinces. These projects were initiated by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and i-Lead Institute (formerly IEI)–Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. She currently serves as Head of Applied Linguistics Section, Chair of the Faculty’s Scientific Council, Secretary Member of the University Scientific Council, and academic coordinator of the master’s programme in English Language Studies at HUFLIT, Vietnam. Her teaching and research interests include English language pedagogy, teacher education, technology integration in ELT, English Linguistics, and ESP.
