We find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the role of generative AI and other technological tools is reshaping the way we teach and learn languages. The question that lies before us is not whether these innovations will shape the future, but rather how we, as educators, will harness their potential to create meaningful and effective language instruction.
The title of our conference, No Fate: The Future is Not Set, underscores our belief that the future is not predetermined. We hope that our conference will serve both as a platform for collaboration and a catalyst for change as it is via the collective effort of educators, researchers, and innovators that the trajectory of language teaching and learning will be determined. By fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we can shape the future of language education.
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented new opportunities in the field of English language teaching (ELT), providing unprecedented potential for language practice. However, the technologies also place new demands on teachers who drive the teaching and learning process in language classes, especially in Macao where traditional and didactic teaching methods have dominated ELT at tertiary level for a long time. On the basis of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge, this study plans to investigate the readiness of English teachers in Macao universities in the era of AI. English teachers from different public and private universities in Macao will be invited to participate in the study. Mixed research methods will be utilized -- a questionnaire on teachers’ acceptance of technology, knowledge in integrating technologies into teaching, and behavioral intention will be distributed, and interviews will be conducted to provide more insight into the findings. It is hoped that the study can summarize findings from these three aspects: 1. English teachers’ knowledge of and attitude towards AI-powered technologies; 2. the relation between these constructs and their behavioral intention in using AI in ELT; 3. the causes behind these phenomena. In the end, there will be a discussion on the implication of the findings in relation to how AI can empower ELT in Macao.
