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Gothia Towers in the night
Photo: Sinisha Stojchevski
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Exploring Multilingual Conversational Practice with Spoken Dialogue Systems and Immersive Technologies

Science and Information Technology

Workshop as part of HCI International 2025 to share experiences and jointly explore the potential and challenges of AI and immersive technologies for language learning.

Workshop
Date
24 Jun 2025
Time
08:30 - 12:30
Location
Gothia Towers Hotel and Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden

Organized by

Elin Ericsson*, Ylva Hård af Segerstad*, and Mats Larsnäs**

*Department of Applied IT, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and
**Company Mats Larsnäs

Expected Workshop outcome

The insights and discussions from the workshop will form the foundation of a research paper, which will be collaboratively developed by the workshop organizers and participants. This paper may be presented in HCI International 2026 and included in the Conference proceedings.

The workshop aims to:

  • Introduce participants to cutting-edge spoken dialogue systems (SDSs), immersive technologies and their potential applications in language learning and HCI.
  • Gather feedback on the experience of exploring a SDS, with and without head-mounted devices (VR).
  • Foster interdisciplinary dialogue among various stakeholders, such as researchers, educators, and developers.
  • Generate insights and ideas for a collaborative research paper to be submitted to the HCI Conference Proceedings.

Workshop topics

Participants are encouraged to submit papers on the following themes, but are not restricted to these topics:

  • Integration of SDSs with embodied conversational agents (ECAs) in language learning
  • Use of VR and AI in educational settings
  • Challenges and opportunities in immersive language learning
  • Case studies and best practices in HCI for language education

Workshop agenda

The following is a framework for the program of the Workshop:

Time

Program event

08:30-08:50

Welcome and introduction to themes contributed by participants

08:50-09:30

Introduction to SDSs and high/low immersion VR

Overview of SDSs, ECAs, and their applications in HCI and education

Group organisation (A & B)

09:30-10:30

Exploring the immersive SDS

-Group A: Low-immersive language practice with ECAs in their preferred target language, followed by written reflection digitally.

-Group B: High-immersive language practice with head-mounted devices, followed by written reflection digitally.

10:30-11:00

Refreshment break

11:00-12:00

Exploring the immersive SDS

-Group B: Low-immersive language practice with ECAs in their preferred target language, followed by written reflection digitally.

-Group A: High-immersive language practice with head-mounted devices, followed by written reflection digitally.

12:00-12:30

Discussion and synthesis

Group discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and potential applications of SDS in HCI. Contributions will be synthesised to outline potential research directions and documentation, including plans for collaborative writing of a paper drawing on the insights from the workshop.

Adjourn