Speaker
Description
The instruction of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is confronted with both opportunities and challenges as a result of the accelerated evolution of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This presentation documents a professional development program that is designed to improve the digital and AI competencies of EFL instructors in order to facilitate technology-enhanced instruction. The program combines practical training with theoretical foundations, thereby allowing educators to effectively evaluate and integrate AI tools into their teaching practices. The data obtained from surveys and qualitative interviews with participating instructors reveals that there are common challenges, such as limited digital literacy and technological apprehension, as well as effective strategies for overcoming these barriers. The significance of customised training programs that incorporate instructors' aptitude, skills, and attitudes towards AI technologies is underscored by the results. In order to facilitate the successful integration of technology and cultivate digital competence among EFL instructors, practical, context-appropriate professional development plans are recommended.
Biography
Ngoc Giang Tran is an English lecturer at the Faculty of English, Hanoi National University of Education, Vietnam. He is also the Head of English Language Teaching Methodology Division of the Faculty. He received the Ph.D. degree in Education from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Dr Tran's research interests include Teacher Education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and English Language Teaching (ELT). ORCID: 0000-0002-3846-9475
