The dimensions of engagement and agency are garnering increased interest among researchers in the field of foreign language teaching and learning. The purpose of this conference is to shed light on these two notions in relation to digital contexts, both within and outside the confines of language learning programs. Engagement is crucial for learning in formal education contexts because it is correlated with skillbuilding and scholarly success Fredricks et al.
Whether in the domain of languages Zhou et al. Engagement, therefore, is defined as the attitude, behavior, and effort that a person applies to a pedagogical task or more broadly to their studies. Within language programs that rely heavily on technology, such as hybrid or blended learning environments, practitioners and researchers see a double relationship between context and engagement.
On the other hand, it has been pointed out many times that although these programs have the potential to favor and accompany learning, it still falls upon the learner to take responsibility and engage in the learning process Nissen, Agency is a related notion that has a more proactive orientation than engagement. Agency is related to, and even in competition with, other notions such as collaborative learning, autonomy, and empowerment. The question of agency merits even greater attention with the rise of digital technologies that allow people to become social agents of their own learning, both within and outside of formal education contexts.
Learners can, at least in theory, construct their own learning while setting objectives, making decisions, and planning and executing their actions. They can use multiple resources, mobilize a diverse set of people and use digital tools. They can evaluate their choices, the resources and tools used, and their actions in order to achieve success in their learning and experience the feeling of having been agents, either personally or as part of a community.
Through their online contributions on participatory and community-based websites, learners can also have an impact on the world outside of the educative system as agents and citizens who are engaged, ethical and responsible Caws et al. The conference will address various questions raised by the promotion of agency and engagement in language teaching and learning, either within or outside of formal education contexts and with different degrees of mediation: distance learning, blended learning, in-person learning with digital technologies, etc.
