Speaker
Description
Last year, I gave a keynote speech on contextualizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in lesson planning for adult English Language Learners (ELLs). The focus of this workshop is on another essential aspect of AI literacy: understanding the critical “how” of teaching and learning effectively with AI. Widespread adoption of AI as a tool to aid teachers and students in language acquisition is rising exponentially, especially as more chatbots incorporate Large Language Model (LLM) technology into their interface. Yet, AI in the ELL space too often feels like hocus-pocus - only people with certain skill sets can harness its power to be able to teach or to learn. However, by learning to use a Feedback Loop, teachers and students can shift the dynamic from AI as the authority to interrogating it as a tool that needs constant supervision and correction. This process teaches teachers and students to maintain control over their learning by demanding transparency, questioning decisions, and not accepting AI’s first response. We can implement this Feedback Loop: prompt AI to produce something >> AI responds >> check AI’s answer and prompt it to assess itself >> AI improves its response >> implement AI’s product, checking it again. Being in control of this Feedback Loop builds teachers’ and students’ confidence, critical engagement, and language acuity, all while demystifying AI use. Feedback Loops are Formative and scaffolded, so this learning process is not graded. This workshop is supported by research on AI literacy in broad ELL and specific Vietnamese contexts.
Biography
Melita Fogle is a U. S. Department of State English Language Fellow based in Hanoi. Melita teaches English for Academic Purposes, English for Occupational Purposes, English for Specific Purposes and English as the Medium of Instruction, supporting English language programs for the Regional English Language Office in Hanoi. Melita, who was born in San Francisco, California, and raised in the Bay Area, has been a higher education teacher and teacher trainer for over 23 years, both in the U.S. and abroad. Integrated educational technology is a particular interest, and Melita advocates for contextualizing the use of ed tech tools like Artificial Intelligence with learning theories to provide her adult students structure and meaningful assessment. Melita, who is a lifelong learner who never stops being curious, will be teaching and training at the Academy of Policy and Development in 2025-2026.
