JALTCALL Podcast

In this episode, Associate Professor of Otemon University Mehrasa Alizadeh discusses "From Fail to Prevail: A Reflective Narrative of Immersive Technologies in Language Education" In her keynote session, Mehrasa reflects on her past work with immersive technologies in language education, examining not only what prevailed but also what failed, and how she attempted to address these challenges. By c...

In this episode we have our first mass interview of the editors and a collection of authors of the book "Artificial Intelligence in Japan’s Language Learning Classrooms" edited by Robert Dykes, Oliver Edwards, Dave Bollen, and Tina Shu-wen Lin. We take time to let each author speak and explain a little about what they researched and wrote in their chapter. We explore how AI is reshaping language l...

In this episode, Brian interviews UK Open University Professor Emerita Agnes Kukulska-Hulme outdoors at the TaiwanCALL/GloCALL Conference held in May 2026 at Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan. Our first ever outdoor recording was full of wind and background noise that we managed to clean in Riverside Studio and produce in Audacity. Thank goodness for high-quality production tools and a great mi...

In this episode Brian Gallagher interviews Darren Kinsman, the president of (PIESIG) the JALT Performance in Education Special Interest Group. Darren Kinsman is an English language educator based in Japan and host and producer of the PIE SIG Podcast, where he speaks with educators about their teaching and development. He holds degrees in political science, education, and photographic preservation,...

This episode introduces site chairs Roger Palmer and Brent Jones and includes an in-depth discussion on the upcoming JALTCALL 2026 conference in Nishinomiya. In section 1 we discuss their backgrounds and their research on social semiotics, Genre-Based Pedagogy, Team-Based Learning, and COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects. In section 2 they share insights on the conference v...

This podcast explores the latest developments in AI, social media legislation, and digital policies affecting youth and education. Experts discuss global policies, the impact of AI on learning, and practical classroom strategies. This episode explores innovative approaches to social media and AI in education, featuring insights from educators on integrating technology into the classroom, managing...

In this episode James York and Jeanette Dennisson interview JALTCALL Conference 2026 Keynote Speaker Professor Brent Warner from Irvine Valley College, USA., where he teaches ESL and works extensively with faculty on integrating technology into language education. Over the past decade, Brent has become widely recognized for his work in educational technology for language learning, particularly in...

In this episode, JALTCALL 2026 Conference Co-Chairs James York and Jeanette Dennisson interview our Sunday keynote speaker, Mehrasa Alizadeh, Associate Professor in the Institute for General Education at Otemon Gakuin University. She holds a PhD from Osaka University, and her work bridges educational technology and language learning, focusing on Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and immer...

In today’s episode, Robert Remmerswaal, Luc Gougeon, and Robert Dykes sit down to reflect on the SUTLF 2026 Conference, what went smoothly, what they learned, and what future conference organizers can take away from this year’s event. We also extend an open invitation for everyone to join us next year for SUTLF 11 in Kumamoto! We then shift gears and chat about what we’re looking forward to at JAL...

In this double episode, we introduce the 2026 Conference Chairs, Associate Professor James York and Professor Jeanette Dennisson. We discuss the integration of ludology and ludic approaches in education, particularly in language teaching, and language technology in medical education. We explore the differences between gamification and ludic teaching, emphasizing the importance of play in learning....

In the rapidly evolving world of online education, having the right tools and support is crucial for both educators and students. In this episode, Geoff Carr and Luc Gougeon sat down with Adam Jenkins and Bill White, two seasoned professionals in the field of eLearning, to discuss their experiences and insights into using the Moodle platform. Their expertise not only sheds light on the current tre...

Navigating the Educational Landscape: Insights from Professor George McLean on Teaching in Japan In this episode of the JALCALL podcast, host Brian Gallagher sits down with Professor George McLean, esteemed educator at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa. With a rich background in global education and a passion for innovative teaching techniques, George shares his insights into the challenges...

In this short episode the SOJO University team preview the upcoming SUTLF Conference in February 2026. For more information, listeners can visit https://www.nankyujalt.org/sutlf/sutlf-10-2026 Registration is now open with early-bird pricing closing on February 1st. To register, please visit https://events.jalt.org/event/51/registrations/60/ Today's podcast lineup includes: Robert Remmerswaal: http...

🎙️ Ready to wrap up the year? What's been your favorite podcast moment of 2025? 🤔 Join us as we reflect on an incredible year filled with insightful interviews and inspiring stories! 💡 Don't miss out on our 25 episodes packed with knowledge and fun! What have you learned from our podcast this year? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️ What topics do you want us to explore in 2026? #PodcastReflections #...

In this episode Brian and Geoff interview Edo Forsythe, who for over 20 years was a Navy Russian Instructor and Translator and served as Program Manager for the Military Cryptologic Continuing Education Program (MCCEP) and various duties as a cryptologic analyst, and his research partner Steven MacWhinnie from Hirosaki Gakuin University. We hear about their backgrounds and beginnings as well as th...

In this episode we share viewpoints and summaries of JALTCALL SIG members at the JALT International Conference 2025 which was held between 31 October 2025 and November 2nd, 2025 in Tokyo at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo. JALTCALL SIG Members debated the topic of AI versus Human Creativity in Academic Writing i...

In this episode Brian Gallagher (Meijo U.) and Robert Remmerswaal (Sojo U.) discuss the JALTCALL events and more that will feature in the upcoming JALT International Conference at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center (国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター), Yoyogi, Tokyo. They explain about the 90-minute JALTCALL Forum on the relevance and application of AI in the classroom, as well as AI ethi...

In this special holiday-weekend episode, Brian interviews Gary Ross, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kanazawa University, where he is Director of English and develops the online ESL program. Gary is a full-stack developer specializing in AI and online learning. He is the creator of J-Talk.com and the superb conference platform Edzilla, which we continue to use as o...

In this September studio talk episode of the JALTCALL podcast, "AI, Publications, and Conferences," the team discusses new AI developments and upcoming events as well as announcing the inaugural edition of the JALTCALL Trends journal is now live, with all 30 articles individually linked and openly accessible. The podcast also covers recent AI research in working papers, especially one from the NBE...

In this episode Brian Gallagher interviews Gordon Wilson, Associate Professor at HanNan University in Osaka. Gordon is an amazing advocate for Artificial Intelligence research, and he presented a workshop at JALTCALL 2025 conference on exactly this entitled "Building Our Replacements: An AI-Driven, Personalized, Anytime, Anywhere Language Teaching Expert System" He talks about inspiration, inclusi...

In this episode the team talk about their highlights and personal favourites from the JALTCALL 2025 Conference held at Tokyo University of Science (Katsushika Campus) from July 18th to 20th. This year we had 15 workshops, 26 poster presentations, 129 regular presentations, 2 forums, and 2 keynote speakers. With 286 participants the conference was a very good success, and we thank everyone for comi...

This episode is a collection of short impromptu interviews of participants who attended the JALTCALL 2025 Conference at Tokyo University of Science in July 2025. It includes talks with people during the coffee break at the end of the poster session and continues to the Saturday evening dinner reception, where everyone got a chance to network with new and old acquaintances while enjoying plenty of...

In this conference-week episode, Robert Remmerswaal hosts Geoff Carr and Joe Suzuki-Parker in the monthly "Studio Talk" They discuss the options we have for listening platforms and sources. So, who is listening to what? How about the JALT Listening SIG and their podcast? What are students listening to and what should we recommend? They go on to talk about AI and copyright before some quick reminde...

This episode is an interview recorded during the PANSIG conference in May of 2025. In this recording, Robert Dykes of Sojo University interviews Alex Burke as she shares her journey from musician and civil servant to educator and researcher in Japan. Driven by her experience with dyslexia and neurodiversity, she highlights the power of assistive technology, inclusive teaching, and audio-based lear...

This episode is a conference special edition featuring keynote speaker Mathias Schulze of San Diego State University. In this episode, 2025 conference chair Michael Hofmeyr interviews Matt about his thoughts and ideas on a host of topics related to his keynote speech at the JALTCALL 2025 Conference. Mat is a professor of German (Applied Linguistics) and Comparative International Studies at San Die...