JALTCALL Podcast

Darren Kinsman PIESIG President Interview w Brian May 2026

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, along with a CELTA and a Canadian teaching license, and has taught at universities in both Canada and Japan. He currently serves as President of the Performance in Education SIG. In his teaching, he uses simple technology to support speaking and writing development. Students record a short self-introduction at the beginning of a course and again later on to compare their progress. They also record conversations, which they transcribe, helping them notice gaps in their language. Work is submitted digitally for feedback, and review activities are supported through platforms such as Google Classroom and Quizlet. The focus is on making progress visible and giving students clear ways to improve. He has also presented on online learning and remote teaching, including “Developing and Adopting Best Practices for Remote Teaching Post-ERT” at the JALT 2021 International Conference.

Roger Palmer & Brent Jones 2026 Site Chairs interview w Brian and Geoff

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 venue, local attractions, transportation options, getting to the site, and their ongoing projects in language education and international collaboration. In section 3 we wrap up with other upcoming event information and tidbits. Enjoy the show.

April 2026 Studio Talk w Brian, Geoff, Robert, and Luc

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 student engagement, and preparing for future trends. In this studio episode we discuss AI, Technology, and Youth Safety, Legislative Changes and Social Media Policies including Age Verification and Its Implications, before Navigating User Profiles and Security in Technology. The issue of Legislation and Age Verification in Digital Spaces is in the news now and we consider Balancing Autonomy and Guidance, Practical Applications of Social Media and AI in Education, Utilizing AI Tools in Education, and the famous Gartner Hype Cycle. Of course we have some recommended resources too. Enjoy the show.

Brent Warner 2026 Keynote Speaker Interview w James and Jeanette

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 areas such as: Artificial Intelligence in language education, AI literacy for teachers, Technology-enhanced writing instruction, Gamification and AI chatbots for language learning, and Digital tools for multilingual learners. He is also well known as the co-host of the DIESOL (Diesel) Podcast, where he and ishell Reyes explore the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and language teaching. Since the release of tools like ChatGPT, he has been at the forefront of helping teachers navigate: the possibilities of AI for learning, the challenges of academic integrity, and the shifting role of teachers in an AI-supported classroom. His workshops and keynote talks across organizations such as TESOL International, CATESOL, and educational technology conferences around the world have helped thousands of educators rethink their approach to technology in language education. Enjoy the show.

Mehrasa Alizadeh Interview 2026 w James York and Jeanette Dennisson

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 immersive technologies. Mehrasa talks about how she became a language teacher in Japan, her journey to becoming so interested in technology, and her current research projects, which include the use of VR and AI as tools for second language learning in a virtual exchange context. Links: https://jaltcall2026.edzil.la/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ElMfPJUAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao https://jalt-publications.org/articles/27754-mixed-augmented-and-virtual-realities-mavr-learning-sig https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehrasa-alizadeh/