Coming together at a distance: How language researchers across the globe met for the 1st Educational Role of Language online Session “Language and Teacher Language Identity” – A report

Abstract

The 1st Educational Role of Language online session on the theme of “Language and Teacher Language Identity” organized and hosted by the International Association for the Educational Role of Language took place on May 5, 2020 in the homes and offices of language researchers all across the globe. A total of 16 papers was presented in workshop-style over the course of a day, spanning multiple time zones. Presenters hailed from across several continents, including Europe, North America and Asia. Attendees numbered 40 and joined from all around the world. For many participants, the virtual gathering was an unexpected respite to the relentless challenges of this pandemic-stricken year. Academic conferences everywhere were being cancelled at the last minute. Where disappointment abounded, Michał Daszkiewicz (University of Gdańsk, Poland) and Dragana Božić Lenard (University of Osijek, Croatia), both part of the Educational Role of Language Network, were able to offer a unique and uplifting solution to our new “normal”. Folks came together using online communication technologies (Google Drive, Webex) to circumvent the dangers of gathering together at an in-person conference. Moreover, the virtual venue offered a much more collegial and intimate setting than can often be gleaned even from an in-person conference when attendees shift between different break-out sessions and rarely get to collectively experience a sustained set of presentations and follow-up conversations.