In this episode Brian and Geoff talk about a recent report on How People are Seeing AI around the World.

Starting with a Substack summary of an American study by the PEW Resarch Center of over 5,000 people from all walks of life. (actually 5,119) https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2026/06/PI_2026.06.17_Americans-and-AI_TOPLINE.pdf

The report infers that Americans are using the big AI hitters of ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Meta AI, Character AI, and Grok.

They go on to talk about Summer Fun Ideas including: Playing with ClaudeAI Claude Code Cheat Sheet https://cc.storyfox.cz/

Geoff - Progress Meter for Xreading, Building for Duolingo as well, No stupid questions podcast

Sold a Story mini series, Listening to the DIESOL podcast with Brent Warner, BBC Sounds Strong Message Here with Armando Iannucci, and The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe.

We mention Alpha Schools that we will talk about in the next podcast founded by MacKenzie Price, Co-Founder of 2 Hour Learning and Alpha Schools, is revolutionizing K-12 education.

In this episode, Associate Professor of Otemon University Mehrasa Alizadeh discusses "From Fail to Prevail: A Reflective Narrative of Immersive Technologies in Language Education"

In her keynote session, Mehrasa reflects on her past work with immersive technologies in language education, examining not only what prevailed but also what failed, and how she attempted to address these challenges. By critically engaging with initiatives that did not unfold as planned, she highlights key pedagogical and practical lessons drawn from these experiences. She also demonstrates how these insights have directly informed the design and direction of her current project, offering a reflective account of how learning from failure can ultimately help innovation prevail in technology-enhanced language learning.

Sponsored by Eigo.AI, LingoLesson, English Central, Alma Publishing, RDR Services, and XReading.

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In this episode we have our first mass interview of the editors and a collection of authors of the book "Artificial Intelligence in Japan’s Language Learning Classrooms" edited by Robert Dykes, Oliver Edwards, Dave Bollen, and Tina Shu-wen Lin. We take time to let each author speak and explain a little about what they researched and wrote in their chapter.

We explore how AI is reshaping language learning with insights from this new book. We learn about practical applications and ethical considerations for educators and students. In the ever-evolving landscape of education, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a pivotal component, particularly in language learning. With the release of the book "Artificial Intelligence in Japan's Language Learning Classrooms", this group of academics and authors dive into the practical applications, ethical considerations, and the future of AI in this field.

This event was recorded live on Monday, June 8th, 2026

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In this episode, Brian interviews UK Open University Professor Emerita Agnes Kukulska-Hulme outdoors at the TaiwanCALL/GloCALL Conference held in May 2026 at Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan. Our first ever outdoor recording was full of wind and background noise that we managed to clean in Riverside Studio and produce in Audacity. Thank goodness for high-quality production tools and a great microphone for recording. We start with the on-campus birdsong accompanying our intro and a pre-interview chat about William Shakespeare. Professor Hulme is now retired and living in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and where she now volunteers as a local tour guide and expert in several languages, including Polish, French, English, and more. Originally from Poland, Agnes is quite multilingual, which served her very well in her research with migrants and barriers to language learning. She talks about the impact of technology on language learning, navigating the abundance of educational resources available to us all now, and reconsidering communication in language and how we speak to each other.

Agnes Kukulska-Hulme, Professor Emerita at The Open University, researches future learning, mobile language learning, migrant learning, AI assistants.

Agnes Kukulska-Hulme https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5874-8837

https://oro.open.ac.uk/view/person/ak35.html

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=RndcRYEAAAAJ&hl=en

https://conference.twcall.org/index.php

In this episode Brian Gallagher interviews Darren Kinsman, the president of (PIESIG) the JALT Performance in Education Special Interest Group. Darren Kinsman is an English language educator based in Japan and host and producer of the PIE SIG Podcast, where he speaks with educators about their teaching and development. He holds degrees in political science, education, and photographic preservation, along with a CELTA and a Canadian teaching license, and has taught at universities in both Canada and Japan. He currently serves as President of the Performance in Education SIG. In his teaching, he uses simple technology to support speaking and writing development. Students record a short self-introduction at the beginning of a course and again later on to compare their progress. They also record conversations, which they transcribe, helping them notice gaps in their language. Work is submitted digitally for feedback, and review activities are supported through platforms such as Google Classroom and Quizlet. The focus is on making progress visible and giving students clear ways to improve. He has also presented on online learning and remote teaching, including “Developing and Adopting Best Practices for Remote Teaching Post-ERT” at the JALT 2021 International

Conference.

This episode introduces site chairs Roger Palmer and Brent Jones and includes an in-depth discussion on the upcoming JALTCALL 2026 conference in Nishinomiya. In section 1 we discuss their backgrounds and their research on social semiotics, Genre-Based Pedagogy, Team-Based Learning, and COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects. In section 2 they share insights on the conference venue, local attractions, transportation options, getting to the site, and their ongoing projects in language education and international collaboration. In section 3 we wrap up with other upcoming event information and tidbits. Enjoy the show.

This podcast explores the latest developments in AI, social media legislation, and digital policies affecting youth and education. Experts discuss global policies, the impact of AI on learning, and practical classroom strategies. This episode explores innovative approaches to social media and AI in education, featuring insights from educators on integrating technology into the classroom, managing student engagement, and preparing for future trends.

In this studio episode we discuss AI, Technology, and Youth Safety, Legislative Changes and Social Media Policies including Age Verification and Its Implications, before Navigating User Profiles and Security in Technology.

The issue of Legislation and Age Verification in Digital Spaces is in the news now and we consider Balancing Autonomy and Guidance, Practical Applications of Social Media and AI in Education, Utilizing AI Tools in Education, and the famous Gartner Hype Cycle.

Of course we have some recommended resources too. Enjoy the show.

In this episode James York and Jeanette Dennisson interview JALTCALL Conference 2026 Keynote Speaker Professor Brent Warner from Irvine Valley College, USA., where he teaches ESL and works extensively with faculty on integrating technology into language education. Over the past decade, Brent has become widely recognized for his work in educational technology for language learning, particularly in areas such as: Artificial Intelligence in language education, AI literacy for teachers, Technology-enhanced writing instruction, Gamification and AI chatbots for language learning, and Digital tools for multilingual learners. He is also well known as the co-host of the DIESOL (Diesel) Podcast, where he and ishell Reyes explore the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and language teaching. Since the release of tools like ChatGPT, he has been at the forefront of helping teachers navigate: the possibilities of AI for learning, the challenges of academic integrity, and the shifting role of teachers in an AI-supported classroom. His workshops and keynote talks across organizations such as TESOL International, CATESOL, and educational technology conferences around the world have helped thousands of educators rethink their approach to technology in language education.

Enjoy the show.

In this episode, JALTCALL 2026 Conference Co-Chairs James York and Jeanette Dennisson interview our Sunday keynote speaker, Mehrasa Alizadeh, Associate Professor in the Institute for General Education at Otemon Gakuin University. She holds a PhD from Osaka University, and her work bridges educational technology and language learning, focusing on Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and immersive technologies. Mehrasa talks about how she became a language teacher in Japan, her journey to becoming so interested in technology, and her current research projects, which include the use of VR and AI as tools for second language learning in a virtual exchange context.

Links:

https://jaltcall2026.edzil.la/

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ElMfPJUAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

https://jalt-publications.org/articles/27754-mixed-augmented-and-virtual-realities-mavr-learning-sig

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehrasa-alizadeh/

In today’s episode, Robert Remmerswaal, Luc Gougeon, and Robert Dykes sit down to reflect on the SUTLF 2026 Conference, what went smoothly, what they learned, and what future conference organizers can take away from this year’s event. We also extend an open invitation for everyone to join us next year for SUTLF 11 in Kumamoto!

We then shift gears and chat about what we’re looking forward to at JALTCALL 2026, including a few of our own upcoming presentations and ideas that are taking shape.

Finally, we dive into some practical advice for getting started with a Kaken Grant. If you’d like a deeper look at the tips and strategies we mentioned, you can find them at: www.rdrservices.jp

Thanks for listening, and enjoy the show!