Programme

The basic idea behind the conference is to bring together empirical researchers working on language learning from a range of relevant disciplines, especially (Second) Language Acquisition Research, Educational Sciences, Educational Psychology, Psycholinguistics, Computer and Corpus Linguistics, and Digital Learning Technologies. The focus of this particular conference is on exploring the potentials and pitfalls of digitalisation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) in the filed of language learning and teaching, across various educational contexts.

Heightened attention to the implementation of digitalisation, machine learning and AI in language education is timely for several reasons. Globalisation and digitalisation have elevated the importance of foreign language learning on a global scale, while rising migration trends have increased the number of second language learners in most educational systems worldwide. This conference recognizes the importance of integrating digital tools and resources into language learning and teaching and aims to bring together the best empirical research on advantages and challenges associated with the use of digital tools in foreign language education.

The conference program will feature various keynote presentations, alongside panel discussions, workshops, and paper presentations covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Artificial intelligence and deep language models in foreign, second and other language learning and teaching
• Integration of digital tools in curriculum design
• Computer-based language testing in longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs
• Gamification and immersive technologies
• Digital literacy and technology-based language proficiency development
• Digital technologies in work with learners with speech and language disorders
• Algorithm-based feedback, assessment, and evaluation in digitally-mediated language learning environments

By bringing together experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, we aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and advance our understanding of how digitalisation is shaping the landscape of second and foreign language education.

Keynote Speakers

(will be updated)

• Prof. Dr. Vera Busse (University Münster)
• Prof. Dr. Clauda Finkbeiner (University of Kassel) 
•  Prof. Dr. Johanna Fleckenstein
• Prof. Andrea Horbach (University of Hildesheim)
• Prof. Dr. Stefan D. Keller (Zurich University of Teacher Education)
• Prof. Dr. Olaf Köller (Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel) 
• Prof. Dr. Jens Möller (University of Kiel)
• Prof. Dr. Simone Pfenninger (University of Zurich) 
• Prof. Dr. Nikol Rummel (Ruhr University Bochum)

Organisers

• Stefan D. Keller (Zurich University of Teacher Education) 
• Vera Busse (University of Münster)
• Claudia Finkbeiner (University of Kassel)
• Olaf Köller (PN – Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel)
• Jens Möller (University of Kiel) 
• Simone Pfenninger (University of Zurich)

Submit a paper

Submissions for papers are possible from 1 June 2025 until 28 February 2026.

Submit your paper

Registration fee

Registration for the conference: From early 2026

Target audience

• Forschende

Event format

Tagung

Delivery

Vor Ort

Documents

• Call for papers “Evidence-based language learning”

Event organiser

Zurich University of Teacher Education

Contact

ebll@phzh.ch