Call for papers

2025-12-19

The teaching and learning of languages and their associated cultures is among the most dynamic areas of research production, marked by a high degree of innovation, experimentation, and renewal in the context of digitalisation. It is, indeed, a highly productive field, with a growing body of scholarly work. For this reason, the journal RE@D is launching, through this thematic issue, an annual publication devoted specifically to language and culture teaching supported by digital technologies.

The impact of generative artificial intelligence on language education has been particularly significant, largely due to the widespread adoption of these tools by teachers and learners.

In this context, this first thematic issue on innovation and technology in language teaching seeks to bring together researchers in the teaching of languages and cultures, both first and additional languages, to explore questions related to teaching and learning in virtual settings or through the use of digital technologies.

Its purpose is to foster theoretical reflection and to share practices and experiences in language-and-culture teaching and learning conducted in virtual environments or supported by a range of digital tools. As the subtitle suggests, this special issue also places particular emphasis on the potential of AI to personalise the teaching-learning experience in digital contexts.

Accordingly, the issue will be structured around the following thematic axis:

Main axis

  • Personalization of language teaching-learning through artificial intelligence (adaptive models; specific feedback; generative AI; recommendation algorithms; intelligent tutors; educational chatbots...)

Secondary axes

  • Future of language teaching in distance and online universities (new pedagogical models; impact of artificial intelligence; digital transformation in higher education; integration of immersive environments and mixed realities...)
  • Role of culture in online language teaching (intercultural approaches; digital mediation of culture; literature and use of authentic documents; teaching linguistic variations; identity and belonging in virtual environments...)
  • Challenges of asynchronous learning (time management and autonomy; strategies for participation and active participation; Formal, summative, continuous feedback and evaluation; role of adaptive platforms...)
  • Multimodality and digital skills in language teaching (use of videos, podcasts and infographics; digital literacy for teachers and students; gamification and interactive resources; development of multiple literacies...)
  • Motivation, commitment and autonomy in online language learning (AI-based motivational strategies; gamification and personalised challenges; impact of personalisation on student engagement; project-based learning and collaboration...)
  • Other aspects (emerging approaches in language teaching; impact of new technologies and innovative methodologies; digital accessibility and inclusion; ethics and privacy in the use of AI; teacher training for technology-mediated teaching...)

Submission guidelines

All submissions must follow the formatting and referencing guidelines available on the journal Revista de Educação a Distância e eLearning – RE@D: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/lead_read/about/submissions

Review process

All submissions will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure quality and relevance to the theme.

Important dates

Submission deadline: 15 February 2026

Authors will be notified within three months of the submission date.

Guest editors of the thematic issue

Antonio Chenoll (Universidade Aberta – DH, Laboratório de Educação a Distância e eLearning)

Adelina Castelo (Universidade Aberta – DH, Centro de Linguística da Universidade de Lisboa & Laboratório de Educação a Distância e eLearning)

Cristiana Rodrigues (Universidade Aberta – DH, IELT – Instituto de Estudos de Literatura e Tradição, Universidade Nova de Lisboa)