Where languages meet technology: OHIO to host Digital Approaches to Language Learning and Teaching Conference

The Ohio University Department of Linguistics is excited to announce the Digital Approaches to Language Learning and Teaching Conference, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16–17, 2026, in Athens.

The conference will bring together scholars, educators, students and educational technology developers to exchange ideas, share innovative practices and build partnerships that advance technology-enhanced language learning. With a special focus on Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs) and Indigenous languages, the event aims to strengthen a growing community dedicated to innovation, language education and language preservation.

Digital Approaches to Teaching Less Commonly Taught and Indigenous Languages Conference. Oct. 16-17, 2026, Ohio University, Athens, Linguistics Department

The conference will feature keynote and invited presentations by nationally and internationally recognized scholars whose research has shaped the fields of technology-enhanced language learning, instructional technology and second language acquisition.

Guest speakers will explore timely topics including the impact of artificial intelligence on language education, the development of open educational resources for under-resourced languages, the use of GenAI-powered tools in teaching LCTLs, virtual reality and digital games in language instruction, and the role of technology in supporting Indigenous and minoritized language teaching.

Participants will explore current research and practical applications of a wide range of digital technologies, including mobile applications, digital games, generative artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality, among others. Through presentations, workshops and discussions, attendees will gain new insights into technology-enhanced language teaching while fostering collaboration across language education, research and educational technology.

Among the various guest speakers who will be participating in the conference, the Department of Linguistics in OHIO's College of Arts and Sciences is especially excited to welcome back to the Athens campus three alumni of the M.A. in Applied Linguistics program:

Dr. Filipo Gao Lubua (’14), teaching assistant professor, African and African Diasporic Languages coordinator, Swahili Program coordinator, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Elliott J. Casal (’14), assistant professor, director of online programs, assistant director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems, University of Memphis

Qianqian Zhang ’25, PhD student, instructional technology, Ohio University

Conference information and submission guidelines

The Department of Linguistics warmly invites colleagues, students and professionals interested in language education and instructional technology to submit an abstract and join this growing community of practice.

Submission guidelines and additional conference information are available on the conference website.

The co-chairs for the conference are Dr. David Bell, belld@ohio.edu, and Dr. Francesca Marino, fmarino@ohio.edu.