Traditional teaching is rapidly changing with the rise of new technologies and teaching approaches. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping reshape the field—making language learning more flexible, more adaptive, and easier to access for a wider range of learners.. As AI reshapes the educational landscape, it compels educators and administrators to rethink not only how languages are taught but also how learners are supported in developing the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. These advancements present unprecedented opportunities while also raising critical questions about broad access to AI-powered education and efficient integration of AI in teaching and learning.
My research explores Generative AI, instructional technology, and adaptive learning environments, focusing on how these innovations can transform second language acquisition and higher education more broadly. AI-driven tools have the capacity to personalize instruction, improve engagement, and break down barriers that have historically limited access to high-quality language education. However, these technologies must be integrated responsibly, fostering inclusion rather than reinforcing existing inequalities (Crum, Lee, & Kou, 2024). My work critically examines these challenges while developing research-informed strategies for AI-enhanced language learning that expand opportunities for all students.
Another key dimension of my research is STEM-integrated language education, which emerges from the same effort to prepare all learners for a workforce shaped by technological and scientific advancements (Crum, 2022). Embedding STEM content into language instruction not only expands career pathways for second language learners but also equips them with problem-solving skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and the ability to navigate technical fields. This work challenges the notion that language education should remain separate from the skills required in high-demand industries, instead positioning it as a gateway to broader professional opportunities.
Beyond AI and STEM integration, I also investigate motivational factors influencing language program enrollment and retention, as well as the role of virtual exchange and social networking platforms in fostering intercultural communicative competence (Crum & Kivik, 2023; Crum & Basoglu, 2022; Crum & Özçelik, 2024). At the core of my work is the commitment to helping all students—regardless of background—develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and digital literacy skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. By fostering these competencies, I strive to empower them to become informed, critical, and ethical digital citizens who can engage meaningfully with technological and scientific advancements in their academic, professional, and personal lives.
With over 407 citations, my scholarship continues to contribute to technology-enhanced pedagogy, student success strategies, and the evolving role of AI in education—with the sole goal of removing barriers and strengthening all learners' career choices. Rather than viewing AI as a band-aid solution for temporary educational crises, I see it as an opportunity to reimagine language education as a dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused discipline—one that does not simply adapt to technological change but actively shapes it.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES & ADVANCED RESEARCH SKILLS
My research utilizes a combination of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches. The following are some of the key methodologies and tools I use:
Quantitative Research & Statistical Analysis
Proficient in SPSS, XLSTAT for statistical modeling and data analysis.
Excel for educational measurement, assessment, and evaluation.
Qualitative & Mixed Methods Research
Proficient in MAXQDA for qualitative and mixed-methods research.
Experience in survey design, interview analysis, and thematic coding.
Recent and Forthcoming Publications
For a full list of my publications, visit my Google Scholar and ORCID profiles.
Book
Crum, S., Erbil, N., Ergul, S. E.., & Lider, I. (2026) (In Preparation). World-Readiness Standards in Turkish (National Standards for Learning and Teaching Turkish Language). American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Alexandria, VA.
Book Chapters
Crum, S. (forthcoming, 2026). AI-Augmented Feedback Tool for Language Learning. In M. Thomas, M. Peterson, & M. Warschauer (Eds.), Shifting Power in Language Learning and Applied Linguistics with GenAI. Advances in Digital Language Learning and Teaching Series, Bloomsbury Publishing Series.
Crum, S., & Lee, B. & Kou, X. (2024). Generative Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Learning Platforms: Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition through Transformative Collaborations. In: Stephanidis, C., Antona, M., Ntoa, S., Salvendy, G. (eds.), Human Computer Interaction, Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1832. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61953-3_6
Crum, S. & Kivik, P. (2023). Motivational factors affecting language student enrollment and retention in higher education. In E. H. Uebel, F. Kronenberg, & S. Sterling (Eds.), Language Program Vitality in the United States. Educational Linguistics Series, Vol 63. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43654-3_9
Journals
Crum, S., & Özçelik, Ö. (2024). Social Networks as Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments for Second Language Teaching in Higher Education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 19(01), pp. 4–22. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v19i01.42013
Crum, S. Second Language Teaching with STEM (2022). Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.903804
Crum, S. & Basoglu, E. B. (2022). Intercultural communicative competence development through virtual exchange. In Jalkanen, J.; Bradley, L. (Eds.), Intelligent CALL, granular systems and learner data (pp. 57-62). Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2022.26.803
Peer-Reviewed Statistical Data Reports
Crum, S. (2025, February 17). 2022-2023 Enrollment Survey Report for Turkic Language Courses at Post-Secondary Institutions in the United States. American Association of Turkic Languages. https://www.aatturkic.org/newsletters
Crum, S. (2023, April 5). 2021-2022 Enrollment Survey Report for Turkic Language Courses at Post-Secondary Institutions in the United States. American Association of Turkic Languages. https://www.aatturkic.org/newsletters
Selected Recent Conference Workshops for Language Practitioners
Crum, S. & Kivik, P. (November 2024). Strengthening Second Language Programs: Practical Strategies for Increasing Enrollment. Workshop organized for K-16 language educators, Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
Crum, S. & Kivik, P. (November 2023). Motivational factors affecting recruitment and retention of second language learners. Workshop organized for K-16 language educators, Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
Selected Recent Workshops for Turkish Language Learners
Crum, S. (2024). Being a Student in a Turkish University. In Indiana University, Language Workshop Events. Co-organized with Dr. Emrah Basoglu.
Crum, s. (2024). From America to Türkiye: A Practical Living Guide. In Indiana University, Language Workshop Events. Co-organized with Dr. Emrah Basoglu.
Crum, S. (2024). Discover Türkiye with Kahoot. In Indiana University, Language Workshop Events. Co-organized with Dr. Emrah Basoglu.
Crum, S. (2024). Turkish Flavors Club. In Indiana University, Language Workshop Event. Co-organized with Dr. Emrah Basoglu.
Selected Conference Presentations
Kivik, P. & Crum, S. (November 2024). Enhancing language curriculum with STEM and general education content. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Philadelphia, PA.
Crum, S. & Kivik, P. (November 2023). Strategies to recruit and retain college foreign language students. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Chicago, IL.
Crum, S. (June 2023). Microlearning in online learning design: Enhancing second language learner-content interaction. 7th International Conference on Future of Teaching and Education, Vienna, Austria
Crum, S., Mengyuan, A.Z., and Meng, C. (April 2023). Effective instructional design and assessment practices to support inclusive online social and collaborative second language learning. Statewide Information Technology Conference, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Crum, S. (March 2023). Online microlearning for active less commonly taught languages. Teaching informed research poster presentation at Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Columbus, OH.
Crum, S. (November 2022). Adapting to change: Designing and developing less commonly taught language curriculum with STEM Connection. Paper Presentation at Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
Crum, S. (April 2022). Integrating STEM content into less commonly taught language classrooms. Teaching informed research paper presentation at the 6th International Symposium on Language for Specific Purposes (ISLSP) and Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) Business Language Conference, University of Chicago, Illinois.
Crum, S. (March 2020). Social media digital marketing integration into language for business courses. Teaching informed research paper presentation at the 5th International Symposium on Language for Specific Purposes (ISLSP) and Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) Business Language Conference, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC. (Competitively reviewed teaching informed conference presentation)
Crum, S., Akiyama, Y., Varga, V., & Hodjaev, M. (November 2019). Barely Survive or Thrive: Redesigning LCTL programs in the 21st century. Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association (IFLTA) Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
Crum, S. (May 2019). Reengineering conventional L2 classes in the digital age with technology-mediated TBLT and backward design framework. International Conference on Research in Education and Science, Izmir, Turkey.