SOCALLT 2025 Conference
Conference Theme: (RE)Empowering Language & Culture Education: A Dynamic Experience
Date: April 12, 2025
Location: Language Learning Center @ University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM – hybrid participation available
Registration: https://bit.ly/3XoIHMz Please register by the day before the conference if you are attending remotely, as you may not receive the remote link in time.
Schedule: https://bit.ly/4gZH7Yn
Presentation/Abstract: https://bit.ly/3QAkdMy
REGISTER for the conference (see link above)
Please register by the day before the conference if you are attending remotely, as you may not receive the remote link in time.
- Full registration: $60
- Registration for virtual sessions: $45
- Student registration: $30
Keynote Speakers: Claudia Kost & Crystal Sawatzky
Keynote Address: “From Barriers to Bridges: Reimagining Language & Culture Learning in a Connected World”
Claudia Kost is Professor of German and Applied Linguistics at the University of Alberta. She teaches all levels of German language classes as well as courses in second language acquisition, culture, and fairy tales. Her research focuses on computer-mediated communication, teacher training and foreign language pedagogy. She recently co-authored a German cultural history textbook (Ekstase und Elend: Deutsche Kulturgeschichte 1900 bis heute, 2020) and two German language OERs (Willkommen: Deutsch für alle, 2020/2022).
Crystal Sawatzky is a full lecturer in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies at the University of Alberta (U of A). She has a Bachelor of Arts in German from the University of Regina and a Master’s in Applied Linguistics from the U of A. She primarily teaches first year German courses and has been teaching full-time at the U of A since 2006. When the department implemented a blended-learning model for all its languages, she co-authored two German language OERs (Willkommen: Deutsch für alle, 2020/2022).
SOCALLT 2025 Conference Schedule
*Schedule is shown in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) [UTC -6]
4/11 Friday Pre-Conference Dinner – at Sawmill Market: TIME TBD
4/12 Saturday 8:00-5:30
All sessions will take place at UNM Language Learning Center, 1st Floor, Ortega Hall. Enter the building by the notable “Center of the Universe” sculpture, not far from the Duck Pond (currently under construction). It is building #79 on the campus map or can be easily found by typing in “Ortega Hall” on Google Maps.
8:00 Registration Open (all day)
8:00-8:30 Breakfast/Exhibit
8:40 Opening Remarks
9:00 Keynote Address by Claudia Kost & Crystal Sawatzky, “From Barriers to Bridges: Reimagining Language & Culture Learning in a Connected World” (remote presentation)
10:00 OER workshop by Claudia Kost & Crystal Sawatzky, “Enhancing Access and Engagement through Language OERs” (remote presentation)
11:00 – 11:15 Coffee Break/Language Center Tour
11:15 – 11:45 Graduate Student Session 1: Sarah Johnson, “How to Empower English Language Learners in Analyzing and Creating Presentations of Graphic Novels” (in-person)
11:45 – 12:15 Graduate Student Session 2: Emma Caputo, “Self-Hosted Conversational Agent for L2 Speech Data Collection” (remote presentation)
12:20 – 1:20 SOCALLT Business Meeting – Lunch Provided (Yasmine’s)
1:30 – 2:00: Session 1: Adrienne Angelo, “Generative AI as a Catalyst for Dynamic French Language Instruction” (remote presentation)
2:05 – 2:35 Graduate Student Session 3: Irene Soto-Lucena, “The use of immersive virtual environments to enhance language learning, improve learners’ experience, and foster willingness to communicate: the role of affective constructs and individual differences.” (in-person)
2:35 – 3:05 Graduate Student Session 4: Ayman Elbarbary, “Self-directed Learning and Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Learners’ Cultural Awareness” (remote presentation)
3:05 – 3:30 Coffee Break/ LLC tour/exhibitor
3:30 – 4:00 Session 3: Joe Terantino, “Fostering Learner Agency with AI: Digital Storytelling for Language Education” (remote presentation) & Louise Stoehr, “Teaching with GenAI: Support, Not Shortcuts” (in-person)
4:05 – 5:05 Workshop/Vendor session: Lawrence Williams, “Leveraging Technology for Exploring Linguistic Landscapes in the L2 Curriculum” (in-person) & Hope Anderson, “Speak Up: Advocating for Language Programs” (remote)
5:10 closing remarks (door prizes)
6:00 Post-Conference Dinner at El Patio
Parking at UNM – Any surface lot is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays (Friday – metered)
More information at https://pats.unm.edu/
Lodging – There is no official conference hotel. Spring Hill Suites Albuquerque University Area will be our non-official conference hotel – there is no discount available. There are many hotels available near-by.
WIFI – Guest WIFI will be available. You may also access WIFI via Eduroam, if your institution supports it.
Zoom Links will be available only to the presenters and attendees. Please do not share the link.
Attractions (outside of the conference) – There are many attractions available in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Below shows some of our suggestions.
- Old town
- Gruet Champagne
- Los Poblanos (Lavender Farm)
- Hot Air Balloon Tour
- Casinos – Sandia and others
- Tram
- Museums such as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, etc.
Inquiries about the conference can be sent to Hajime Kumahata <Hajime_Kumahata@baylor.edu>, Marie Schein <m.schein@tcu.edu>, and/or Louise Stoehr <lstoehr@sfasu.edu>.
