Constructed Agents:
From Imagination to Real Interaction
CALL FOR PAPERS2026 Technology for Second Language Learning ConferenceOctober 15-16, 2026Hybrid (Online & Iowa State University) |
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The Constructed Agents theme provides a forum for exploring how humans develop their understanding of AI agents from their exposure to representations of agents in literature and film. The conference explores how and to what extent representations of non-human sentient agents such as Frankenstein’s creature in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel and Hal in 2001 Space Odyssey may shape views of today’s language-using AI agents including those for language learning.
Abstracts are invited for presentations sharing insights from the study of imagined sentient agents appearing in cultural expression throughout history for today’s human use of real-life AI agents. In particular, the conference combines the humanities disciplines of literary and film studies with the transdisciplinary study of applied linguistics to increase understanding of 1) how the humanistic study of sentient, non-human agents represented in literature and film informs popular understanding of AI agents, 2) how language learners engage with AI agents that are developed to support language learning and assessment, and 3) opportunities for interdisciplinary humanities research and collaboration related to AI. We invite papers that address questions such as the following:
- How can humanistic analysis of sentient agents in fiction and film help to reveal ethical issues in relationships between AI agents and the humans who use them?
- How can analysis of AI agents’ linguistic interaction identify the human-like characteristics of AI agents that humans recognize?
- How do humanistic and linguistic analyses of AI agents help in evaluating them for their intended purposes?
- How has exposure to imagined characters prepared language professionals and learners for their work with AI agents in research, teaching, and learning?
- How can the constructed AI agents available to language teachers and learners today help to prepare students for AI agents in the workplace?
- How does research and teaching in humanities and applied linguistics need to evolve to better understand the implications and use of AI agents?
Types of Presentations
Abstracts proposing presentations related to the conference theme are invited for three types of sessions. Please note the abstract requirements and evaluation criteria for each type of submission.
Strand selection
Authors must choose the appropriate area of focus for their submission:
- Applied Linguistics
- Humanities (Literature & Film)
Individual Papers
Formal presentations making a scholarly contribution of original knowledge to the field. Each presentation will be 20 minutes followed by five minutes for discussion. The abstract should be no longer than 300 words including references. The abstract will be evaluated based on the fit of the topic to the conference theme, apparent scholarly contribution of the work to the field, and the clarity of the abstract in explaining the contents of the presentation.
Panel
Several presentations on a single theme to be presented in a 60 to 90-minute block of time. Typically, panels include three or four presentations with an introduction to the topic and possibly followed by a commentary, but the proposers can design the session as they see fit. The abstract should be no more than 700 words including references, and each contribution should be included in the abstract. The abstract will be evaluated based on the fit of the topic to the conference theme, the coherence of the multiple topics in developing the panel, the apparent scholarly contribution of the work to the field, and the clarity of the abstract in explaining the contents of the session (including the timing for each presentation).
Posters
Asynchronous online presentation of a scholarly contribution in which visuals play an important role (e.g., demonstration of a short video, interactive software, report of empirical research with graphic models and data displayed in tables). Poster presentations will be available to participants online several days prior to the official start of the conference. Participants viewing the posters will be invited to engage in an asynchronous discussion with the presenter and other poster attendees during the conference. Presenters will record a short video to post for visitors, who will then engage in asynchronous discussion about the poster topic. The abstract for a poster should be no longer than 200 words including references. The abstract will be evaluated based on the fit of the topic to the conference theme, apparent scholarly contribution of the work to the field, and the clarity of the abstract in explaining the poster contents.
Submission deadline
- Abstract submission portal Now open! — ABSTRACT SUBMISSION LINK —
- Abstract deadline is April 1st, 2026, Anywhere on Earth
- Abstract decisions communicated to corresponding authors by May 15th, 2026
Modality of presentations
The conference will be held in hybrid format on Zoom and at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, USA. Presentations are planned for synchronous delivery. Presenters wanting to pre-record and post a presentation should submit an abstract for a poster presentation. Synchronously delivered presentations can be given either in person or remotely depending on the wishes of the presenter. Presenters will be requested to make a decision about their desired format shortly after their abstract has been accepted. Presentations delivered in person on-site will be streamed live so participants will have access to all presentations online. All presentations will be recorded with the prior consent of the presenters. The schedule will also include social and networking opportunities for both in-person and remote participants.
Registration
Registration will open one month before the conference. All attendees and presenters must register for the conference. There is no registration fee.
Leadership Team: Carol A. Chapelle, Bethany D. Gray, Sinem Sonsaat-Hegelheimer, and Rochelle Zuck
Organizing Committee: Ahmad Zubaidi Amrullah, Mahdi Duris, Isabella-Marie Epstein, Benjamin Godard, Trang Ho, Danson Kimathi, Young-Joo Lee, Chris Litten, Mostafa Ranjbar, and Sibel Söğüt
This event is sponsored by the Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities ⎋, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences ⎋, and the Department of English ⎋ at Iowa State University.