Building Knowledge of Generative AI in Applied Linguistics
2025 Technology for Second Language Learning Conference
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More than two years have elapsed since freely accessible generative AI (GenAI) captured the attention of professionals in applied linguistics. Since that time, groundbreaking developments continue to appear such as DeepSeekR1 and ChatGPT o-series models with integrated Chain-of-Thought functionality, each one inviting exploration by language teachers, test developers, and researchers who continue to increase understanding of GenAI uses in the field.
The 22nd Technology for Second Language Learning Conference will provide an opportunity to contribute to knowledge and understanding of GenAI for applied linguistics with a program featuring presentations on the theme Building Knowledge of Generative AI in Applied Linguistics. The conference theme is apt for marking the 20th anniversary of the launch of the doctoral program in Applied Linguistics & Technology at Iowa State University. Since its start in 2005, dozens of doctoral students and alumni have enriched the profession with their contributions—in particular, research and practice fueled by their view of applied linguistics as a field inextricably connected with the technologies used for learning, assessment, communication, and research.
TSLL 2025 latest updates
Registration: Registration is now open. All attendees and presenters must register for the conference to receive access codes. There is no cost to register. Register here: https://bit.ly/tsll25registration 🔗
Remote presenters: Wondering about presenting a hybrid oral presentation? Visit our TSLL YouTube channel to see past presentations. Be sure to subscribe for updates.
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025
All sessions will be available on Zoom | |||
Time (US, CST) | Event | On-Site Location | |
7:45-8am | Conference Opening | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
8-9:30am | ALT 20-Year Reunion Meeting A | Ross 412 | Zoom | |
9:30-10am | Break—Social (30 min) | Ross 412 | Zoom | |
10-11am | ALT 20-Year Reunion Social B | Ross 412 | Zoom | |
11-Noon | Oral Presentations Session 1 | Ross 412 | Zoom | |
Noon-1pm | Lunch—Social (1hr) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
1-2:30pm | Oral Presentations Session 2 | Ross 412 | Zoom | |
2:30-2:45pm | Poster Focus & Day 1 Wrap-up | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
2:45-5:30pm | Poster Session Focus | Moodle |
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
All sessions will be available on Zoom | |||
Time (US, CST) | Event | On-Site Location | |
7:45-8am | Welcome | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
8-9:30am | Concurrent Sessions 3 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
9:30-10am | Break—Social (30 min) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
10-11am | Concurrent Sessions 4 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
11-Noon | Plenary 1: Tony Berber Sardinha; Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo (PUC-SP), Brazil | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
Noon-1pm | Lunch—Social (1hr) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
1-2:30pm | Colloquium | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
2:30-3pm | Break—Social (30 min) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
3-4:30pm | Concurrent Sessions 5 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
4:30-4:45pm | Day 2 Wrap-up | Ross 212 | Zoom |
Friday, November 7th, 2025
All sessions will be available on Zoom | |||
Time (US, CST) | Event | On-Site Location | |
7:45-8am | Welcome | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
8-9:00am | Concurrent Sessions 6 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
9:00-10am | Plenary 2: Jing Xu, Yasin Karatay, & Hye-won Lee; Cambridge University Press & Assessment, UK | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
10-10:30am | Break—Social (30 min) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
10:30-Noon | Concurrent Sessions 7 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
Noon-1pm | Lunch—Social (1hr) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
1-1:30pm | Oral Presentation Session 8 | Ross 412 | Zoom | |
1:30-2:30pm | Plenary 3: Sanghee Kang; Carnegie Mellon University, USA | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
2:30-3pm | Break—Social (30 min) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
3-4pm | Concurrent Sessions 9 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
4-4:15pm | Day 3 Wrap-up | Ross 215 | Zoom |
Saturday, November 8th, 2025
All sessions will be available on Zoom | |||
Time (US, CST) | Event | On-Site Location | |
7:15-7:30am | Welcome | Ross 212 | Zoom | |
7:30-9:30am | Concurrent Sessions 10 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
9:30-10:30am | Plenary 4: Serge Bibauw; University of Louvain, Belgium | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
10:30-11am | Break—Social (30 min) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
11-Noon | Concurrent Sessions 11 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
Noon-1pm | Lunch—Social (1hr) | Ross 215 | Zoom | |
1-2:30pm | Concurrent Sessions 12 | Ross 212 & 412 | Zoom | |
2:30-2:45pm | Closing remarks: Best Poster Award | Ross 212 | Zoom |
Register HERE! 🔗
Conference Venue
Ross Hall named in honor of Earle D. Ross, professor of history from 1923 to 1958 and an Iowa State historian
The in-person portion of the conference will be held at Ross Hall on Iowa State University’s (ISU) campus. Ross Hall is located at 527 Farm House Lane, Ames Iowa 50014. Ross Hall is close to Memorial Union (MU) and Campustown which are both within walking distance to numerous coffee shops and restaurants. The opposite side of the MU holds a patio and fountain that faces central campus with the campanile and open fields where students often lounge and relax. The MU houses a food court, a bookstore, and a convenience store. For detailed directions to the Memorial Union, see the Travel tab above.
Pay parking is available in the Memorial Union Parking Ramp, within walking distance to the conference venue. For more information, visit http://www.mu.iastate.edu/parking–maps/parking/
Other parking is available on campus by obtaining a Visitor Parking Permit, which would allow you to park in a General Staff or Student parking lot and walk to the Memorial Union. More information can be found at http://www.parking.iastate.edu/visitor.
Parking on campus on the weekend does not require a permit, but please make sure to check the signage at the entrance of each lot to ensure it is open for non-permitted vehicles.
Ross Hall is also accessible by bus. The 21-Cardinal and 23-Orange are the most direct and frequently running routes.
Hotel Information
Ames has a lot of hotel and accomodation options for the nights of October 24th, 25th and 26th. Conference attendees will need to contact hotels directly to book rooms.
Hotel options:
Iowa House
405 Hayward Avenue
515-292-2474
www.iowahouseames.com
Starting rate: $95-$185
3 blocks from the campus
*Iowa House is a unique option. Formerly a fraternity house, it was converted to a hotel and is located in ISU’s “campus town” just a few blocks from the Memorial Union. It has received stellar reviews on trip advisor.
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center
2100 Green Hills Dr.
515-292-8600
http://gatewayames.com/
Starting rate: $109.00
CyRide Brown line serves this area, but only on weekdays.
Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center
2609 University Blvd
515-268-8808
www.holidayinn.com
Starting rate: $126
CyRide Brown line serves this area, but only on weekdays.
Sleep Inn & Suites
1310 Dickinson Ave
515-337-1171
www.sleepinnandsuites.com
Starting rate: $96
CyRide Red line serves this area.
AmericInn
2507 SE 16th St.
515-233-1005
www.americinn.com
Starting rate: $95
Hilton Garden Inn
1325 Dickinson Ave
515-233-8000
www.hiltongardeninn.com
Starting rate: $123
CyRide Red line serves this area.
*Near Sleep Inn (above) and served by the Red line which is the most frequently running line in town. Cafes, restaurants and conveniences stores within walking distance of this hotel.
Days Inn Ames
229 S Duff Ave
515-232-0280
www.daysinn.com
Starting rate: $55
CyRide Blue line serves this area.
*Days Inn is about a 10-minute walk to Ames downtown Main Street which features shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and a farmers market on Saturday mornings. CyRide Red and Green lines go between Main Street and campus.
Travel
Air Travel
The closest airport to Iowa State University is Des Moines International Airport. There is a shuttle service available between the airport and ISU (see below). Other major airports, including Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Kansas City International Airport, and Omaha Airport. are within driving distance, but require renting a car.
Lyft & Uber
Both Lyft and Uber operate in Iowa and the Ames area. Note that rides may not be as abundant as they might be in a major city. Both services are available upon downloading the company’s app on your mobile device.
Car Rental
Car rental agencies are located in the baggage claim area in Des Moines International Airport.
Driving directions:
From Des Moines (≈ 35 minutes)
>35 North (34 miles)
>Exit 111B to US 30W (3 miles)
>Exit 146 to ISU
Des Moines to Iowa State University
Ames’ Bus System
Ames CyRide bus system offers safe, reliable, and friendly service for navigating around Ames. Please find a nice CyRide and Ames map here. The Iowa State “MyState” app offers a nice CyRide GPS interface that shows in real time where buses are with respect to your current location.
Getting to the Conference Venue
Conference sessions will be held on campus in Ross Hall next to the Memorial Union, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames Iowa 50014. Pay parking is available in the Memorial Union Parking Ramp, adjacent to the conference venue. For more information, visit http://www.mu.iastate.edu/parking–maps/parking/. More information about parking can be found at http://www.parking.iastate.edu/visitor.
Dinning Options
On Campus
For a complete list of on-campus restaurants and cafés: https://www.dining.iastate.edu/hours-menus/
- Memorial Union Food Court ($). 2229 Lincoln Way. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Halal, vegan, and vegetarian options. Restaurants include: Chester’s Chicken – Cucina Italiana – Cys and Fries – Fresh Burrito Works – Godfather’s Pizza – Panda Express – The Dish – Subway
- Carlos’ Quesadillas ($). Food truck outside Kildee Hall. Mexican food: Quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, burritos.
- MU Market & Café ($). 2229 Lincoln Way. Convenience store, grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, bakery, and coffee. Vegan and vegetarian options.
- Caribou Coffee & Hub Grill & Café ($). Across from Parks Library. Deli and bakery, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and coffee. Vegan and vegetarian options.
- Bookends Café ($). 0184 Parks Library. Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, bakery, and coffee. Vegan and vegetarian options.
Campus Town
Restaurants and cafés are within walking distance from the Memorial Union.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop ($). 2310 Lincoln Way. 9am-10pm. Made to order toasted sandwiches, salads, and ice cream shakes. Vegetarian options.
- Blaze Pizza ($). 2320 Lincoln Way. 10:30am-10:30pm. Wood-fired pizza; make your own pizza. Vegetarian options.
- Jeff’s Pizza Shop ($). 2402 Lincoln Way. 10:30am-1am. Pizza, sandwiches, lasagna, salads, chips, and brownies.
- Smokin’ Oak wood-fired pizza ($).: 2420 Lincoln Way. 10:30am-10:30pm.
- Cafe Baudelaire ($$). 2504 Lincoln Way. 10am-1:30am Brazilian fusion cuisine, hamburgers, omelets, salads, desserts.
- Mr. Burrito ($). 2508 Lincoln Way. 11am-9pm Mexican food: Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, Mexican drinks including horchata.
- Taste Place ($). 2512 Lincoln Way. Chinese food
- Arcadia Café ($). 116 Welch Ave. 7am-8pm. Sandwiches, small plates, soup, salad, desserts; vegetarian & gluten-free options.
- Indian Delights ($). 120 Welch Ave. Kofta, curry dishes, chicken, lamb, shrimp, salmon; vegetarian options; desserts.
- Jimmy John’s ($). 135 Welch Ave. 10:30am-3am. Plain slims, sub sandwiches, club sandwiches.
- Thai Kitchen ($$). 2410 Chamberlain St. 11am-8pm. Thai food: Yums, soups, noodles, fried rice, pad, and curry dishes.
- Pizza Pit ($). 207 Welch Ave. 11am-12 midnight. Pizza, chicken wings, hot sandwiches.
- Stomping Grounds ($$). 303 Welch Ave.7am-12am. Regular and toasted sandwiches, salads, pasta, soups, crepes, desserts, coffee. Outside patio area.
Downtown Ames
How to get there: Take Cyride #1 Red East or #2 Green East from campus. For a full list of downtown Ames restaurants, cafés, and events, access http://www.amesdowntown.org/
- Wheatsfield Cooperative Grocery & Deli ($).413 Northwestern Ave. 7am-9pm Breakfast burritos, salad bar, hot bar, soups, bakery, desserts; vegetarian options.
- Depot Deli & Cookies ($). 526 Main Street. Sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts; vegetarian options; lunch & dinner combos.
- Aunt Maude’s ($$$). 547 Main St. 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm. Salads, soups, omelets, sandwiches, bistro, salmon, chicken, beef.
- The Spice ($$). 402 Main St. 11am-2:15pm, 5pm-8:45pm. Thai cuisine: Spring rolls, dumplings, soup, curry, noodles, fried rice, chicken, pork, seafood, desserts; vegetarian options; tea, fruit juices.
- Chocolaterie Stam ($). 230 Main Street. 8:30am-8pm. Bonbons, chocolate treats, cookies, wafers, gelato, licorice.
- Café Diem ($). 229 Main Street. 7am-10pm Coffee, pastries, salads; wi-fi.
- Little Woods Herbal tea shop and tea house ($). 136 Main St. Herbs, spices, loose leaf teas, medicinal herbs, artisan wellness blends.
- Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company($). 129 Main St. 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-12am Pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts.
- The Grove Café ($). 124 Main. 6am-2pm. Breakfast & lunch menu: Omelets, pancakes, French toast, hamburgers, hot sandwiches, desserts.
- The Mandarin ($$). 415 Lincoln Way. 11am-2pm, 5-9pm. Beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, & vegetable lunch entrées; seafood; dinner specials for 2-10 persons; soups
- Cornbred Barbecue ($$). 526 Main St Suite. 11am-…. Beef, pork, turkey, sausage.
West Ames
How to get there: Take Cyride #1 Red West from campus.
- Pammel Grocery & Deli ($). 113 Colorado Ave. 11am-8pm. Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern food. Halal & vegetarian options: Gyros, kabobs, falafel, samosas, kofta.
- Szechuan House ($). 3605 Lincoln Way. 11am-10pm. Chinese food: Chicken, duck, lamb, pork, seafood; soups, lunch specials; vegetarian options.
- Shogun Japanese Steakhouse ($$). 3704 Lincoln Way. 11am-9:30pm. Soups, salads, teriyaki, yakisoba, tempura, hibachi, sushi, sashimi, udon, shabu shabu, hibachi.
- Provisions Lot F ($$$). 2400 N Loop Dr. 7am-8pm. Salads, soups, omelets, sandwiches, bistro, salmon, chicken, beef.
- Lockwood Café ($). 625 Reliable St. 8am-3pm. Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant.
North Ames
How to get there: Take Cyride #6 Brown North from campus.
- The Café ($$). 2616 Northridge Pkwy. 7am-9pm. Omelets, pancakes, soups, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, steak, fish, pizza, pasta.
- +39 Italian Restaurant & Cantina ($$). 2640 Stange Rd. 11am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm. Pasta, pizza, soups, salads, sandwiches; chicken, beef, fish; gluten-free options.
- Brick City Grill ($$). 2704 Stange Rd. 11am-12am. Hamburgers, sandwiches, entrées (chicken, pork, salmon), nachos, salads; gluten-free options.
- El Azteca ($$). 2727 Stange Rd. 11am-9pm. Mexican food: Quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, special dinners, soups, salads, desserts.
- Wallaby’s Bar & Grille ($$). 2733 Stange Rd. 11am-11pm. Salads, soups, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, nachos,entrées.
- Los Altos Mexican Restaurant ($$): 823 Wheeler St. #5. 11am-9:30pm. Quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos; vegetarian options; desserts.
- Ge Angelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge ($$). 4-9pm. 823 Wheeler St. #9. Salads, pizza, calzone, pasta, chicken, cod; vegetarian options; build your own pizza; desserts.
South Ames
How to get there: Take Cyride #3 Blue South from campus.
- Hickory Park Restaurant Co. ($$). 1404 S. Duff Ave. 10am-9pm. Barbecue, meat dinners, hamburgers, deli and smoked sandwiches, ice cream menu; teas.
- Fuji Japanese Steakhouse ($$$). 1614 S Kellogg Ave. #101. 11am-2pm, 4-9:30pm Hibachi, teriyaki, tempura, udon, soba, rolls, sushi bar entrées, katsu, don buri, desserts.
Cultural Attractions & Entertainment
On Campus
How do I get there? Everything on campus is within a walking distance.
- ISU’s Museums. Around campus
- The Maintenance Shop. Memorial Union. Stand-up comedy, open mic nights, theater performances.
- Farm House Museum. Near Ross Hall. M-F 12-4pm. Lake Laverne: Just outside the Memorial Union (MU). Created in 1916. Home to the swans Lancelot and Elaine.
- Reiman Gardens: 1407 University Blvd. 9am-4:30pm.
All Ames Parks: http://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-i-z/parks-recreation/park-system
- Brookside Park. 1325 6th Street (near campus).
- Ada Hayden Heritage Park. 5205 Grand Ave.
- Inis Grove Park. 2500 Duff Ave.
- Main Street Cultural District
- Octagon Center for the Arts. 427 Douglas Ave. 10am-5pm.
- Ames Public Library. M-Th 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 1-5pm.
- Cinemark Movies 12. 1317 Buckeye Ave.
Contact: tsll@iastate.edu