Resources

This video features a comprehensive lecture by Dr. Gabriel Francisco León Fontes of the University of Sonora on the effective use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in English language education. The talk explores how LMS platforms support learning through functions such as progress tracking and materials management, and explains their role across a range of teaching modes from face-to-face and fully online courses to HyFlex classrooms.

A particular focus is placed on the differences between synchronous, real-time communication and more flexible asynchronous interaction. He highlights the importance of balancing these modes in order to reduce learners’ cognitive load and anxiety while maintaining engagement. He also outlines practical steps for implementing an LMS and discusses key benefits, including reduced teacher workload and increased learner autonomy.

Overall, the presentation emphasizes that an LMS should not be viewed merely as a technological tool, but as a pedagogical system whose success depends on thoughtful alignment with educational goals.

In today’s digital age, short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube capture students’ attention in just a few minutes. How can teachers harness this trend to engage students while supporting language learning? In this episode, María G. Durán and Katie La Storia share practical strategies for using short-form videos in the classroom. They discuss benefits such as improving listening, pronunciation, and presentation skills, and boosting confidence through scripting and storytelling. From introducing videos to guiding students in creating their own, this episode provides inspiring ideas for making language learning dynamic and relevant.

This video brings together three panelists to explore the timely question, “Teaching and Assessing Writing: Does AI Change Everything?”. Donald Clark highlights the limitations of traditional, human-led assessment, pointing out its high cost and lack of scalability, and argues that AI-driven automation could make education more affordable and widely accessible. Kelly Webb Davis shifts attention from linguistic accuracy to the quality of students’ thinking, proposing that AI be used as a tool for language refinement while humans focus on developing and assessing ideas and arguments. She introduces a three-stage assessment model that combines handwritten drafts, AI-supported revision, and reflective evaluation of AI use. Sarah Ratner adds a human-centered perspective, reminding us that despite the efficiencies AI can offer, writing education should continue to value storytelling and the joy of writing as essential human experiences.

This webinar explores the Trinity Lesson Plan Generator, which allows educators to specify CEFR levels, language functions, and lesson topics to receive a customized plan via email within minutes. The presenter, Anna Bennett, explains how to use the tools through live demonstrations.

Please note that while the website design has changed since the webinar, the content remains largely the same.

In this video, Laurens Lamberts explores how gamification can be used to design materials that genuinely boost learners’ intrinsic motivation. He explains that while traditional gamification often relies on extrinsic motivators such as points, coins, and badges, intrinsic motivation grows through core game design principles. These include Agency (giving learners meaningful choices that shape their path), Ownership (creating something that feels personally theirs), non traditional rewards such as unlocking new abilities that advance the story, and Fun supported by a stress free, immersive environment. The session also showcases practical branching path activities created with PowerPoint.

In this video, Dr. Pack explains the learning process from a neuroscience perspective and demonstrates how AI can support effective L2 development. He showcases practical uses of ChatGPT with example prompts for vocabulary learning through memory functions and for generating texts to support reading practice. He also highlights listening support tools, including ElevenLabs, Microsoft Edge’s Read Aloud feature, and methods for creating custom podcasts using Notebook LM.

This webinar explores how teachers can leverage AI tools for effective Differentiated Instruction in mixed-ability classrooms. The session provides practical strategies, starting with using vocapkitchen.com to analyze a text's vocabulary level before utilizing AI text generators (like Claude or ChatGPT) to quickly tailor material difficulty and create supporting glossaries. Furthermore, the use of AI image tools such as Skybox Blockade Labs is demonstrated to craft engaging, creative activities that foster communication and collaboration. 

This is one of the sessions from the British Council's AI for Inclusion webinars. Other sessions can be viewed here.

The proliferation of language learning apps such as Duolingo and Babbel has significantly increased access to language education. At the same time, this trend raises important questions for teachers and researchers:
Can learning apps genuinely support language acquisition?
If so, how can educators effectively integrate them into practice?
In this podcast, hosts Leo and Andrew of Learn YOUR English welcome Dr. Shawn Loewen, Professor of Second Language Studies at Michigan State University, to examine these questions from the perspectives of second language acquisition, the research-practice gap, and mobile-assisted language learning.

The development of AI has become a huge challenge. Predictions abound about how it will affect not just ELT, but the world in general. After a whole year of fast-moving advances in AI development and available tools for a variety of uses within the ELT field, we are still working out what it means for us. We have been learning what it is and what we can use it for, from lesson planning to image creation and automated language learning. 

In this video, Svetlana Kandybovich and Miguel Miguez demonstrate that Question Charts, also known as Q-charts, is an excellent tool that can be used to practise speaking, writing, reading and listening, as well as develop critical and creative thinking in your students. 

The authors explain how teachers can use Q-charts in the classroom and share a digital version that incorporates AI to enable learner autonomy. 

Eigo.AI is a free website dedicated to delivering English language lessons for learners at all levels, including Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Utilizing a blend of Artificial Intelligence and human expertise, the platform offers a valuable resource for English teachers. It caters to a diverse range of language skills, making it an ideal choice for educators seeking to enhance their instructional methods in speaking, listening, writing, reading, and vocabulary.

Generative AI in higher education course - King's College London via Futurelearn 

• Alsic (Language Learning and Information and Communication Systems) [freely available online French academic journal but the abstracts are in English]

• British Journal of Educational Technology (BJET)

• Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO)

• Computer-assisted language learning (CALL)

• International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT)

• The Internet TESL Journal

• Journal of Computers in Education

• Language, Learning & Technology

• ReCALL is the journal of the European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning (EUROCALL)