The goal of this professional learning initiative is to support Flagship educators in designing innovative, AI-integrated Project-Based Language Learning (PBLL) experiences for advanced-level professional and academic contexts. Through a dynamic series of workshops, participants will explore the use of Generative AI in language teaching and develop ready-to-use resources grounded in PBLL principles.
This professional learning program consists of two stages, named Foundations (online) and Design Studio (in-person or online):
Foundations
Applicants will learn about essential design features of high-quality PBLL experiences, and explore applications of Generative AI in student-driven projects.
Design Studio
Guided by the Tech Center team, accepted applicants will engage in a 2-day immersive professional learning experience customized to refine their AI-assisted PBLL designs.
The 2026 Design Studio is offered in two formats: in-person and online. The in-person cohort will meet on July 6-7 at Indiana University.. The online cohort will meet on the same days at a time that will be arranged once a list of accepted applicants is available. Along the course of the Design Studio, both cohorts will interact online, which will provide a unique opportunity for participants to enrich their project designs.
Key Dates
- March 25: Design Studio Information Session.
- April 1: Design Studio Application opens
- April 24: Deadline to complete Envisioning PBLL (if applicable)
- April 24: Design Studio Application deadline
- May 8: Design Studio Acceptance Notifications.
- July 1: Deadline to Complete AI Module
- July 6-7: Design Studio in-person at Indiana University and online.
Eligibility
Participation is open to all Flagship and DLIFLC teachers interested in learning about AI-assisted PBLL experiences.
Funding
Please note that if you plan on attending the Design Studio in person, your institution will be responsible for covering the cost of travel expenses to participate in the Design Studio at IU.
Application
The Design Studio application form is now open (see button below). The deadline for submission is April 24.
PREPARATION:
1. If you need to complete the Envisioning PBLL Online Course (or its new AI module) and don’t have access to it already, please send an email us letting us know.
2. As part of this application, you will need to submit the Product Square for your project. If you have not done so already, please download and use this Product Square template to create yours in advance, so you are ready to upload the file (MS Word or PDF file OK) when asked. Please use your full name in your file name (e.g., “John Smith Product Square”).
3. If you will be submitting your application as a team (OPTIONAL), please download and use this Team Composition template to fill out your team information. Please upload this file (MS Word or PDF file OK) when asked. Please use your full name or team name in the file name (e.g., “John Smith Team Composition”). Whoever the team organizer or main contact for the team is, please also fill out your individual information in Part 1 in the application.
Program at a Glance
Foundations
The Foundations stage of this initiative is meant for Design Studio applicants to learn about essential concepts related to PBLL and Generative AI and is relatively flexible because it can be completed at your own pace within an ample time frame. The two components of this stage are a self-paced mini-course on PBLL and a one-hour session on Generative AI.
Envisioning PBLL + AI for Projects Module
The goal of this mini-course is to learn about the essential design features of high-quality PBLL, and to learn how to generate project ideas using the Product Square. This mini-course is a requirement for all applicants. The requirement can be waived for applicants who have already received an Envisioning PBLL badge. However, the AI for Projects Module must be completed by all participants prior to the start of the Design Studio.
Eligibility: Director, teachers, and staff in The Language Flagship and DLIFLC programs are eligible to participate.
Key Dates
- April 24 Design Studio Application due date & Pre-studio Envisioning modules (Topics 1-5) completed
- May 8 Design Studio Acceptance Notifications.
- July 1 AI for Projects module completed (Topic 6)
Schedule
| Day 1 (July 6) | Day 2 (July 7) |
|---|---|
|
Morning (9:00–12:00 Eastern): Welcome Presentation & discussion Hands-on activities Project work time Pre-lunch debrief |
Morning (9:00–12:00 Eastern): Presentation & discussion Hands-on activities Project work time Pre-lunch debrief |
| Lunch (12:00–1:00) | Lunch (12:00–1:00) |
|
Afternoon (1:00–4:00 Eastern): Presentation & discussion Hands-on activities / Tool explorations Project work time End-of-day debrief |
Afternoon (1:00–4:00 Eastern): Project work time Design Studio sharing / presentations Debrief & reflection Evaluation |
Design Studio
The Design Studio will combine principles of Project-Based Language Learning with the latest developments on Generative AI. Participants will engage in dynamic in-person and online sessions. During guided design sessions, both cohorts (in-person and online) will explore the use of AI in the teaching of advanced-level language in professional and academic domains. Through collaborative ideation and real-time prototyping, participants will develop resources to support a core PBLL experience. The product of the core PBLL experience will incorporate AI chatbots designed by learners for a specific discipline, context, and purpose. The program will conclude with a peer showcase and a structured feedback session with both cohorts. All resulting products will be made available through the Tech Center website.
Questions?
tech.center@hawaii.edu
PROGRAM LEAD
Rachel Mamiya Hernandez, rmamiya@hawaii.edu
FACILITATORS
Molly Godwin-Jones, megodwin@hawaii.edu
Julio C. Rodriguez, juliocr@hawaii.edu
Naiyi Xie Fincham, naiyixf@hawaii.edu
Suzanne Freynik, freynik@hawaii.edu
