Jabartoday.com – Kuningan— The English Education Study Program of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Kuningan, Indonesia held a transformative seminar entitled “Unlock English Fluency: Interactive Media Designed with TPACK”, featuring renowned linguist and educational technologist Prof. Roger Palmer from Konan University, Japan. The seminar, moderated by Dr. Endang Darsih, M.Pd., brought together lecturers, pre-service teachers, and language education stakeholders to explore cutting-edge strategies in English language learning.
In his engaging keynote presentation, Prof. Palmer emphasized the critical role of context in shaping meaning and communication. Drawing from the TPACK framework (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) and semiotic theory, he illustrated how digital tools, multimodal texts, and personalized learning paths can revolutionize the way English is taught and acquired, particularly in EFL contexts.
“The same sign can have different meanings depending on the context. Therefore, teaching language requires attention not just to vocabulary or grammar, but to the multimodal and situational environments in which language is used,” stated Prof. Palmer.
In the seminar, several innovative strategies were explored to enhance English fluency among learners, particularly through the integration of interactive media and emerging technologies. One prominent approach involved the use of AI-powered platforms, such as Speakpal.ai and Gliglish.com, which were demonstrated as tools capable of offering personalized speaking and listening practice. These platforms adapt to individual learner needs and provide real-time feedback, helping users gain confidence and improve pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension in contextualized settings.
The session also emphasized the importance of interactive media in fostering engagement and motivation. This included the use of chatbots, collaborative writing tools, and gamified language apps that simulate real-life communication scenarios. These digital tools not only make learning more dynamic but also promote autonomous and peer-supported learning, reinforcing linguistic structures in meaningful contexts.
Another key strategy presented was the analysis of song lyrics and popular culture texts as a gateway to teach semiotics, grammar, and cultural nuance. By engaging with language in authentic, emotionally resonant materials, students are more likely to develop a deeper understanding of both form and function, as well as the sociocultural dimensions of English use. This strategy supports a more holistic approach to language acquisition that moves beyond textbook instruction.
The language educator from Universitas Kuningan, Indonesia, Yayan Suryana also highlighted the critical role of TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) in teacher education. It advocated for a balanced integration of content knowledge, pedagogy, and technology to design meaningful, learner-centered instruction. By equipping educators with the skills to select and apply the right tools purposefully, the seminar promoted a model of English teaching that is adaptive, context-aware, and responsive to 21st-century language demands.
Participants were also guided through real-life classroom scenarios where grammar is treated as a resource for meaning-making, not as isolated rules, aligning with Palmer’s call for learner-centered and communication-driven instruction.
“Technology integrated through TPACK can facilitate personalized learning experiences, allowing students to work at their own pace and focus on areas where they need the most improvement,” Palmer said.
The seminar encouraged future educators to adopt a post-method pedagogy—one that is adaptive, reflective, and responsive to students’ sociocultural realities and digital fluency levels.
The event concluded with a lively discussion, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the practical insights and forward-thinking pedagogical vision shared. Feedback from students and faculty highlighted the importance of bridging theory and practice through frameworks like TPACK, especially in light of the rapid digital transformation in education. [Fahrus Zaman Fadhly]
