José Ovidio is a full-time faculty and the English Access Program Coordinator at Universidad Católica de El Salvador (UNICAES), with a strong background in TESOL. He holds a master’s degree from Murray State University in Kentucky and a bachelor’s from UNICAES. With over eight years of experience teaching methodology courses, he has presented at various conferences in El Salvador, the US, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Ovidio is also a national-level teacher trainer and co-founder of the Teachers Up Initiative, which offers professional development opportunities for English teachers in El Salvador.

Future-Ready: Equipping Teachers with AI-supported Tools for Global Citizenship!

In an era where technology shapes our educational landscape, the integration of AI-supported tools in the EFL/ESL classroom can evoke both excitement and apprehension among English teachers. This presentation, titled "Future-Ready: Equipping Teachers with AI-supported Tools for Global Citizenship!", will begin by addressing common fears and misconceptions surrounding AI in Language teaching. Attendees will gain insight into the transformative potential of these tools, as the presenter shares compelling success stories from his own classroom experiences.

Through engaging anecdotes, attendees will discover how AI is revolutionizing lesson delivery, fostering interactivity and enhancing student engagement. The session will highlight practical strategies for implementing digital tools that not only captivate learners but also empower them to become global citizens proficient in the English language.

As a hands-on conclusion, participants will be invited to collaborate on “Sandbox” exercise, one of the most recent AI-supported features on Padlet designed to facilitate collaborative learning and creativity. This interactive experience will allow teachers to envision the immediate application of these technologies in their own classrooms. By the end of the presentation, attendees will leave equipped with innovative ideas and actionable insights to elevate their teaching practices, ultimately boosting students' mastery of the language and preparing them for a future where global citizenship is essential.