Keynote speaker

​

Ramsey L. Cardwell


Duolingo


October 12th

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

McCain 105/106

2024 Fall Conference

Halifax, NS


​Intersection of assessment, testing and language learning in the Canadian context

Sponsors

Advancing Language Assessment With Human-in-the-Loop AI


Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), when used responsibly, present significant opportunities to enhance the quality and accessibility of assessments. This keynote will discuss the transformative potential of AI in high-stakes language testing through its applications in test development, administration, scoring, and security. A central theme of this presentation is the concept of human-in-the-loop AI, which underscores the importance of involving educators, experts, and students in the development and implementation of AI technologies. Keeping humans involved throughout the development and application of AI tools enhances, rather than replaces, the critical contribution of human judgment in the testing process.

Using the Duolingo English Test (DET) for illustration, we will explore frameworks such as the DET’s "item factory," which merges human expertise with AI-based automated item generation to create a scalable, efficient, and high-quality item development process. This framework adapts principles of intelligent automation from manufacturing to streamline test item creation . Comparative studies indicate that AI-generated items can achieve psychometric properties comparable to those crafted by human experts. As a result, this offers a scalable solution to the intensive process of human item writing. AI applications in test administration, scoring, and proctoring will also be presented.


The talk will address broader trends in responsible AI, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and transparency in the deployment of these technologies. By situating innovations on the DET within the wider context of language assessment research, this keynote aims to demonstrate how to implement AI advancements consistent with best practices in high-stakes testing, and to inspire collaboration among researchers, educators, and policymakers.


​Registration Information


Registration will be open starting Monday September 16th on the Ticketbud platform (click here). Register before September 30th to benefit from the early bird pricing. Otherwise, registration will remain open at regular pricing until October 7th (extended due to requests).


Early Bird Registration (September 16 - September 23) FOR MEMBERS ONLY

  • Members (Teachers, Professionals, Professors): $24.99


  • Student Members: Free


Regular Registration (September 24 - October 1)

  • Members - $50


  • Non-Members - $74.99

​

  • Free conference attendance for all student members (Although this ticket is free of charge, tickets are still mandatory)



Membership Benefits

Become a CALA member to enjoy:

  • Discounted conference rates


  • Free admission for student members

​

  • Access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities


To take advantage of member pricing, please purchase or renew your membership before registering for the conference. To become a member, please go to https://www.cala-acel.org/membership-adh-sion.html


Membership Fees

  • Students ($15)


  • Teachers or other professionals ($30)

​​

  • Professors ($50)



Conference Lunch Included

Your conference registration includes a complimentary lunch, offering a diverse range of options to suit various dietary preferences and requirements. The lunch is all-you-can-eat and includes coffee, tea, and other drink options. While the specific menu for the conference date is yet to be finalized, you can expect a selection similar to the following:

Sample Lunch Options

  • Hearty soups (e.g., Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup)


  • Meat-based entrées (e.g., Chicken Adobo)

​

  • Vegetarian entrées (e.g., Vegetable Skillet Frittata)


  • Pizza (e.g., Pepperoni, Cheese)


  • Grill House (e.g., Cheeseburger, Veggie Burger)


  • Salad bar


  • Desserts (e.g., ice cream, various baked goods)



Join Us

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, share your expertise, and connect with colleagues in the language assessment community. The CALA Fall 2024 Conference promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, fostering professional growth and collaboration in our field.​​​



CALA 2024 Fall Schedule


October 12th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax. NS. Canada

Canadian Association of Language Assessment / Association canadienne pour l'évaluation des langues