Prof. Yi Zhang

Affiliation: Northwestern Polytechnical University, China

Bio

Yi Zhang is Professor and Ph.D supervisor at School of Foreign Studies, Northwestern Polytechnical University. She has published 87 research articles and led 7 national projects. She was awarded the “National Award for Teaching Achievement” and holds various academic roles in China and Sweden.

Talk Title

“Technology-Enhanced Innovation in China’s Evolving Language Education”

Abstract

This study examines the integration of modern technology into language education, with a focus on the evolution of English pedagogy in China. Through a student-centered classroom case study, the research traces the transition of English education from traditional "English Learning" and "English Examination" phases to the contemporary "English Application" phase, emphasizing communicative competence and real-world application. The research highlights innovative classroom practices that leverage technology, such as AI-assisted essay comparison, SPSS-driven data analysis, online interviews, and multimedia presentations. Students engaged in critical tasks—including video film summarization, reflective journaling, and short film production—to contextualize language skills within digital frameworks. Findings reveal that China's pedagogical shift aligns with its socio-political trajectory, positioning English as a bridge for global dialogue. While advancements in policy and diversified teaching methods are evident, challenges such as regional disparities and ethical implications of AI adoption necessitate further exploration. The study concludes that future reforms must harmonize pragmatic language proficiency, cultural identity, and ethical awareness to cultivate globally engaged yet culturally grounded learners.

Keywords: Modern Technology; Language Education; English Evolution

Prof. Mingyue Gu (Michelle)

Affiliation: The Education University of Hong Kong, China

Bio

Prior to joining EdUHK in 2018, Professor Michelle Gu Mingyue was Assistant Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) from 2012 to 2017. As a researcher in sociolinguistics, Professor Gu explores the individual-context interplay mediated by languages and semiotics. Her research integrates theories and methods from sociolinguistics, critical inquiry, and discourse studies. She has developed theoretical frameworks to advance the areas of multilingualism, language identity and ethical-self formation, second-language-learning motivation, and the interaction between language, culture and ethnicity. Professor Gu is a prolific scholar with many publications in top academic journals of the fields of linguistics and languages. She is an active researcher with a strong record in securing external research grants such the General Research Grant (5 as PI; 5 as co-I), the PICO-Funded Public Policy Research, and the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (research and development) projects (2 as PI; 3 as co-I). She has joined two World University Network projects and collaborated extensively with scholars across the world. Professor Gu received the President’s Award in Individual Research Excellence in 2022 at EdUHK, the Research Excellence Award in 2017 and the Young Researcher Award in 2015 at CUHK. She is the elected Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Humanities. She is also listed among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University.

Talk Title

“TBA”

Abstract

TBA