Dr. Laura Christ Dass, Associate Professor

Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia

Biography

Dr. Laura Christ Dass is an Associate Professor at the Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with honours from Universiti Sains Malaysia, a Master in English as a Second Language (MESL) from the University of Malaya, and a PhD in English Language Education from the University of Melbourne, Australia. With extensive experience in teaching and teacher education, she has published widely in both local and international journals and authored several academic books. Her research spans social learning theory, classroom pedagogy, and discourse studies, with a growing focus on integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into English language teaching (ELT). Dr. Dass is passionate about advancing pedagogical practices that are both socially responsive and environmentally conscious, aiming to equip learners with language skills and global citizenship awareness.

Topic

Teaching for Tomorrow: Merging Environmental Awareness with English Language Learning Through AI

Abstract

As environmental challenges escalate, the role of education must extend beyond academic success to include the development of informed, responsible global citizens. This keynote addresses the transformative potential of English language teaching (ELT) when combined with environmental education and artificial intelligence (AI). It proposes a dual-purpose model where linguistic competence is developed alongside environmental literacy, preparing students for the complex demands of the future. The session begins by exploring the environmental impact of single-use plastics, using compelling visuals and current data to establish a meaningful, real-world context. This serves as a foundation for content-based instruction, making language learning more authentic, relevant, and impactful. The keynote then demonstrates how AI tools can be harnessed to convert environmental topics into dynamic language tasks. From vocabulary and grammar to reading comprehension and critical thinking, AI enables educators to create customized, level-appropriate activities that are both engaging and pedagogically sound. By integrating sustainability themes with emerging technologies, this approach not only enriches language learning but also promotes critical thinking, active learning and a sense of global responsibility. Attendees will gain practical insights, sample AI-generated materials, and a refreshed pedagogical framework that positions English as a tool for meaningful engagement with global issues. This session is particularly relevant for language educators, curriculum designers, and education leaders committed to interdisciplinary innovation. It offers a forward-thinking vision for ELT—one that is linguistically empowering, socially conscious, and technologically informed.