Come join us for the first workshop of autumn 2023!
Here are a few details about the presentations:
Dennis Laffey
Title: There is no fate but what we make: Language education in the age of generative AI
Abstract: Generative AI has a high potential to impact education in general, and second language education in particular. In this workshop, we will discuss the potential of new generative AI systems for text, images, and other forms of content to disrupt and also supplement second language education. The presentation will go over what generative AI is, how it works, and what are its current limitations. We will discuss ways that generative AI forces us to adapt our lesson plans, educational goals, and assessment. We will also discuss and brainstorm ways in which we can use generative AI to benefit both ourselves as teachers, but also our students as language learners. While text generating AI systems like ChatGPT have focused debate on classroom writing, we will discuss the potential impacts on all four language skills, vocabulary growth, and grammar instruction. Be warned, this is a new technology, and the presenter does not have all the answers. This workshop aims to be a place where all in attendance can share ideas and help each other develop strategies to best manage generative AI in the educational sphere.
Bio: Dennis Laffey is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition with the Department of English Language and Literature at Pukyong National University in Busan, South Korea. He has over twenty-five years of EFL teaching experience in Japan and South Korea, at every level ranging from kindergarten up through adult learners. His research interests are in vocabulary acquisition, learner motivation, and how technology impacts language education. He lives in Busan with his wife and two sons, and spends his free time engaging in nerdy activities like Dungeons & Dragons, watching sci-fi/superhero movies, and reading speculative fiction.
Silayan Casino
Title: Bringing a Taste of the World to the Classroom
Abstract: This presentation will describe an ongoing group project to engage students in discovering the world outside Korea. The project will pique their interest in places they’ve seen (on tv) or heard about. It will also provide basic presentation skills to help them present confidently in English. Such projects encourage them to enjoy the research/discovery/learning process and not be concerned about their grade for the project.
Bio: Silayan Casino has an MA in European Languages and Literature, German Language and Literature, and a BA International Studies: Western Europe. She is from a multicultural Filipino-Dutch family and grew up in Hawaii and has lived in the Philippines, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, and Paris, as well as Korea. She is conversant in 5 languages: English, German, Dutch, French, Korean, and elementary Tagalog and Visayan.
Sil started out teaching in Korea at an academy in 2008, and went on to work at Jeonju Jeil High School. She also taught at Woosong University in Daejeon, and then spent 4 years at Jeonbuk National University. For the past two years she has been teaching at SCH, Soonchunhyang University. She’ll be leaving for America at the end of this month to be closer to her aging parents.
