Kateřina Appelová: AI is the future
What inspired your presentation topic, and why do you think it's important for English language teachers today?
The AI wave hit me right in the middle of my career. I plan to stay in education, and it would be unwise to ignore this revolution.
Can you share a key takeaway from your session that teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms?
The key takeaway is this: don’t abandon the methods that have always worked and always will - repetition, motivation, organization - just give them a new AI “coat.”
What are some common misconceptions about your area of expertise in ELT, and how do you address them?
The idea that you either know how to use AI or you don’t is completely misguided. The dynamic and often overwhelming pace of development keeps surprising us, so we need to jump into the stream of new technologies and learn to stay afloat. And it’s best not to swim alone - sharing is caring now more than ever.
How do you see AI shaping the future of English language teaching and learning?
The trend is becoming very clear: teachers should not be walking dictionaries or grammar books, but experienced mentors and supporters who patiently show the way and keep offering new “bricks” for the wall of education - one that students build voluntarily and independently.
What’s one book, resource, or tool you’d recommend to English teachers looking to improve their practice?
Amid the flood of AI tools, I still firmly believe in a good coursebook. Today’s publishers follow current trends, and working thoroughly with a coursebook helps you build a solid foundation that you can then enrich with activities tailored to you and your students.
Kateřina Appelová is an experienced educator with a passion for innovative teaching. She has taught English at a primary school special needs class, at a prestigious grammar school and in vocational programs for chef and waiter training, currently teaches adult students at a higher vocational school. This diverse teaching background serves as a rich foundation for developing methodological materials and instructional courses.
