Title: AI in ELT: What Is It Actually Good For?
Abstract: AI is increasingly part of English language teaching, but the important question is not simply what AI can do—it is what AI is actually good for. Drawing on practical classroom examples and frameworks used in an AI-in-education course, this session considers how teachers can make purposeful decisions about AI use. It explores the importance of sound pedagogy and context, the opportunities created by AI’s speed and flexibility, and practical ways to improve prompts, evaluate outputs, and consider what AI genuinely adds to teaching and learning. Rather than offering a list of recommended tools, the session provides a starting point for discussion about where AI helps, where it does not, and how teachers can tell the difference.
Bio: Michael Free is an educator based in South Korea, teaching at Chuncheon National University of Education and Kangwon National University. His work focuses on English language education, intercultural communication, and the integration of AI in education. He is currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Technology at Boise State University, where his research interests include the purposeful integration of AI into teaching and learning.
Title: Empowering English Teachers with AI
Teaching Smarter, Learning Better: AI in the English Classroom
Abstract: Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming education, offering English teachers new opportunities to make lesson preparation more efficient, classroom activities more engaging, and learning experiences more personalized. This presentation explores practical ways in which generative AI can support English language teaching, with particular relevance to foreign English teachers working in private language institutes and universities in South Korea. Rather than replacing the teacher, AI is presented as a practical teaching assistant that can reduce repetitive work, support creativity, and expand opportunities for interaction and personalized learning. The presentation will also briefly address the importance of critically reviewing AI-generated content and using these technologies responsibly and effectively. Through concrete examples and demonstrations, the presentation will show how AI tools can assist teachers in designing lesson plans, creating and adapting learning materials for different proficiency levels, developing speaking and conversation activities, generating exercises and assessments, and providing more individualized feedback to learners. Participants will leave with practical ideas, strategies, and examples that they can adapt to their own teaching contexts, whether in a hagwon, university classroom, or other English language learning environment.
Bio: Romel A. Tintin, PhD, is an Ecuadorian professor and technology executive with extensive experience in higher education, information technology, and telecommunications. He earned his PhD at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea, and his master's degree at the University of Fukui, Japan.
He has served as Vice President, Dean, and Professor at leading Ecuadorian universities and is currently Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Higher National Studies (IAEN). He also worked as a manager at NEC Corporation of Japan in Ecuador.
His research has received international recognition, including Best Scientific Paper Awards at ICEDEG and WMSCI in 2018 and 2019 in Florida, USA.
His current academic interests focus on the practical application of Artificial Intelligence in teaching, learning, and scientific research, with particular emphasis on empowering educators to integrate generative AI effectively into their professional practice.
If you wish to join the Online workshop scheduled for October 13, 2026 (Tue) at 7:30pm, please answer this short questionnaire: https://forms.gle/ZQiacSwdXGtrKq2D7
The link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to you a few days before our online event.
Please note that this online event is FREE, and that everyone is welcome to attend and participate.
You do not need to be a KOTESOL member to join this event.
This online event is organized by the Jeonju - North Jeolla Chapter of KOTESOL.
For any questions or assistance, reach us at: jeonju@koreatesol.org
Thank you!
