{"id":28069,"date":"2023-10-18T13:07:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T19:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=26302"},"modified":"2026-03-05T16:28:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T23:28:48","slug":"bridge-iatefl-ltsig-event-empowering-elt-through-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/bridge-iatefl-ltsig-event-empowering-elt-through-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridge and IATEFL LTSIG Co-Host Event on Empowering ELT Through Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How are you using technology in the English language learning classroom? This co-hosted, free online event tackled the many ways technology can be a tool for today’s ESL\/EFL educators. On September 22, Bridge and IATEFL LTSIG<\/a> co-hosted Technology as the Key to Empowering the Global Community of English Language Professionals, leveraging the experience of four expert speakers who each shared their unique perspectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read about continuing growth in the online language learning market.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collaborative initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) Learning Technology Special Interest Group (LTSIG) prioritizes collaboration, encouraging members to interact, share knowledge, and network with one another and other organizations around the world. LTSIG Coordinator Dr. Maria Diakou commented that both LTSIG and Bridge have unique strengths, resources, and expertise to share. Collaborative efforts reach a wider audience, making a more significant impact on language education for educators and learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"LTSIG<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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We can learn from each other’s experiences, perspectives, and best practices, enriching the knowledge base for both LTSIG and Bridge. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Maria Diakou, LTSIG Coordinator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of collaborative event also provides networking opportunities through a mingling of both communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I believe this collaboration will support members of both associations, allowing them to network with a broader community of educators and professionals,” she said. “This will potentially lead to new partnerships or opportunities and bring diverse viewpoints and approaches to language education, fostering innovation and growth within the field and developing more comprehensive and high-quality educational materials, programs, and events.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In light of both organizations’ shared visions and mission, it was important to co-host this online event,” said Maggie de Oliveira, Bridge Teacher and Institutional Relations Manager. “This event serves as a platform for our communities to exchange ideas, access valuable resources, and collaborate on educational content, all centered around the theme of utilizing technology to enhance ELT practices.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn how to use technology as a dedicated assistant in pronunciation teaching.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology for teacherpreneurs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first speaker was Rachel Story, Bridge Instructor and Coach of Teacherpreneur Academy<\/a>, whose presentation, Unleashing Your Potential: The Essential Toolkit for Modern Online English Teacherpreneurs, focused on leveraging technology to work as an independent online teacherpreneur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Story is a digital nomad who incorporated her own success story as a teacherpreneur in her presentation. She shared the ways technology has advanced to the degree where running an independent online teaching business has become a viable path for English teachers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Teacherpreneur<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Why go independent? Because it’s never been easier. The time is now. The barrier to entering this online space is continually shrinking.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Rachel Story<\/em>, Teacherpreneur<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She described how interest in online learning escalated after the COVID-19 pandemic began, saying the momentum has not been lost, and that there’s now more software, apps, and other technology today than ever before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Story then presented her toolkit for teacherpreneurs, which includes three parts:<\/p>\n\n\n