Dr. Melinda Dooly is a Serra Húnter Full Professor in the Department of Language & Literature Education and Social Science Education at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. She has recently been awarded a five-year ICREA Acadèmia fellowship by AGAUR (2025-2030). Her research principally focuses on technology-enhanced project-based language learning, intercultural communication, and the development of 21st century competences in teacher education. She has published extensively in international journals and is the author and editor of numerous books and chapters in these areas. She is currently co-editor of the book series Telecollaborative Learning and Virtual Education in Education (formerly Telecollaboration in Education), published by Peter Lang. She currently serves as a member of the Research Council for Education at the Spanish National Agency for Investigation.
Plenary Presentation Title: A CALL for All Teachers: Reimagining Language Learning in the Age of Change
Abstract:
In times of rapid technological and social change, the field of language education, whether through research or classroom practice, should be considered as more relevant than ever. Far from being overshadowed by digital innovation, CALL research and practice should aim to provide the human grounding that gives technology its educational meaning. Contrary to the fear that technology might replace teachers or weaken human interaction, technology can serve as a powerful mediator for inclusion, creativity, and plurilingual awareness.
This keynote explores how inclusive and adaptive uses of technology can enhance the transformative aims of CALL: fostering empathy, pluricultural awareness, creativity, equity and critical thinking. Drawing on examples from both research and pedagogical practice, it is argued that effective technology integration depends not only on digital competence but on pedagogical imagination: using tools to promote agency, participation, and meaningful communication. Ultimately, CALL for All is not just about access to technology, but about designing for belonging: ensuring that language learning remains both innovative and profoundly human.
Workshop Title: Connecting Classrooms: Setting Up Successful Virtual Exchanges with Young Learners
Abstract:
While most virtual exchange (VE) projects connect older learners, young language learners also stand to benefit greatly from authentic intercultural interaction, however, the experience must be carefully designed and supported. This hands-on workshop invites teachers and teacher educators to explore how to set up and sustain meaningful VE for primary-age learners that integrate innovative technologies, for example, multimodal storytelling, augmented or virtual reality, and AI-assisted communication tools.
Participants will examine key design principles for age-appropriate VE: setting realistic linguistic and cognitive goals, scaffolding both language and digital literacies, and fostering curiosity, empathy, and collaboration across cultures. Through guided examples and collaborative tasks, participants will learn how to align pedagogy, technology, and content to ensure that technology enhances rather than overwhelms interaction.
The workshop will also address practical and ethical considerations, such as safeguarding, accessibility, parental consent, safety with digital devices and partnership building. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a clearer understanding of what makes virtual exchanges with young learners successful, sustainable, and truly engaging in the spirit of CALL for All.