{"id":31820,"date":"2024-04-27T15:27:18","date_gmt":"2024-04-27T21:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=31820"},"modified":"2025-09-26T15:26:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T21:26:58","slug":"iatefl-2024-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/iatefl-2024-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"IATEFL 2024 Conference: Leveraging Technology and Harnessing the Entrepreneurial Spirit"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the use of AI and other technologies in English language teaching continues to expand, so do the discussions around the opportunities it brings and the ELT community\u2019s discussions regarding its implications. So, it’s no surprise technology was a hot topic of the 57th IATEFL Conference, held from April 16 to 19, at The Brighton Centre in Brighton, UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attended by English language teaching professionals from over 100 countries, this year\u2019s IATEFL Conference featured plenary sessions, presentations, workshops, exhibitions, and forums on a variety of themes, from materials development to assessment to teaching niches like Business English<\/a> and English proficiency test prep<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bridge took part in this year\u2019s conference, with presentations by Anna Hearrell, Director of Operations, Karina Zew, Academic Director, and Umut Erg\u00f6z, Academic Operations Coordinator, sharing their insights on corporate language training, teacherprenurship, <\/em>and tech innovations in language learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested in training for a TEFL niche? Explore Bridge’s Specialized Certifications<\/a> and Micro-credential<\/a> courses!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Umut Erg\u00f6z, Bridge Corporate Language Learning’s Academic Operations Coordinator, presents on leveraging tech innovations in teaching Business English.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Leveraging AI and other technology in ELT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AI has come a long way from being a buzzword to becoming a practical complement to language learning and a powerful aid for English teachers. For one, it has helped teachers encourage learning autonomy, such as when teachers recommend students use language apps to practice English after class. On top of that, using AI-powered tools increases a teacher\u2019s efficiency when assessing students\u2019 needs and creating lesson plans<\/a> and other class materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the assistance AI can provide, staying up to date with AI and the latest digital tools<\/a> has become beneficial for English teachers. It helps them to stay on top of their game, especially when it comes to addressing special learner needs and catering to specific niches. Teaching Business English<\/a>, for instance, is a specialization that can leverage AI tools in many different ways, including by: <\/p>\n\n\n