W6: Exploring Multilingual Conversational Practice with Spoken Dialogue Systems and Immersive Technologies

Aim of the Workshop

To share experiences and jointly explore the potential and challenges of AI and immersive technologies for language learning.

Workshop topics

Participants are encouraged to submit papers on the following themes, but are not restricted to these topics:

• Integration of SDSs with embodied conversational agents (ECAs) in language learning
• Use of VR and AI in educational settings
• Challenges and opportunities in immersive language learning
• Case studies and best practices in HCI for language education

Guidelines to prospective authors

Submission for the Workshop

Prospective workshop participants should submit their proposals in PDF format through the HCII Conference Management System (CMS).

Participants are invited to submit a two-page position paper about their experiences of using SDSs and Immersive Technologies for learning, preferably language learning, and how they look at the future in this regard. Participants are encouraged to submit papers on the following themes, but are not restricted to these topics:

• Integration of SDS and ECA in language learning
• Use of VR and AI in educational settings
• Challenges and opportunities in immersive language learning
• Case studies and best practices in HCI for language education

Submission for the Conference Proceedings

The contributions to be presented in the context of Workshops will not be automatically included in the Conference proceedings.

However, after consultation with the Workshop organizers, authors of accepted Workshop proposals who are registered for the Conference are welcome to submit, through the Conference Management System (CMS), an extended version of their Workshop contribution to be considered, following further peer review, for presentation at the Conference and inclusion in the “Late Breaking” volumes of the Conference proceedings, either in the LNCS as a long paper (typically 12 pages, but no less than 10 and no more than 20 pages), or in the CCIS as a short paper/extended poster abstract (typically 6 pages, but no less than 4 and no more than 11).

Workshop organizers

Elin Ericsson holds a PhD in Applied Information Technology with a focus on Educational Sciences (Ericsson, 2023), still being affiliated to the Department of Applied IT, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Her research explores the use of SDSs and interaction with ECAs for practising speaking foreign languages in everyday-life scenarios. More info about Elin.

Ylva Hård af Segerstad is Professor of Communication at the Department of Applied IT, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Rooted in her background in linguistics, her research has explored the complex ways in which digital and mobile technologies transform human behaviour, communication- and learning practices. Her work on research ethics in   internet studies has contributed extensively to the international research community. She has been involved in several research projects aimed at exploring innovative methodologies for language education and developing adaptive tools for language learning. More info about Ylva.

Mats Larsnäs is a pioneering educational technologist and entrepreneur who has explored VR/AR since 2015 through his company. His work spans medical orthopaedics, tourism, and advertising sectors, and as an educator, he has implemented numerous innovative projects in schools. His latest breakthrough combines VR and AI technology for language learning. More info about Mats.