PUBLIC TALK – OCTOBER SESSION: APPLYING TECHNOLOGY IN LEARNING ENGLISH SKILLS
On the morning of October 19, 2025, International University (IU) – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City organized its October Public Talk under the theme “Applying Technology in Learning English Skills.” The session featured an engaging presentation by Ms Do Hoang Nga (M.A.), Lecturer from the School of Languages.
With the goal of building a high-quality academic environment that constantly updates and applies advanced scientific and technical knowledge, International University (IU) regularly organizes seminars, conferences, and public talks to provide valuable information to a wide range of participants. Every year, IU’s Public Talk program—designed for high school and university students in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces—draws significant attention from both students and teachers alike.
More than 170 students from Tây Thạnh High School participated in the Public Lecture titled “Applying Technology in Learning English Skills” organized by IU.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Duy Phương, Head of the Office of External Relations at IU, stated: “The Public Talk series at International University in 2025 began in June and will continue until the end of the year, featuring a wide range of exciting topics presented by lecturers from various faculties and departments, as well as guest speakers from outside the university. From June to September, we successfully organized four sessions with the participation of more than 600 high school students. This October, we are presenting two topics: ‘Vietnamese Youth Responding to Climate Change’ and ‘Applying Technology in Learning English Skills.’ In December, the last month of 2025, we will end with the topic ‘Personal Financial Management.’ Through these talks, we hope to provide students with accurate insights into various academic and career fields, helping them find the right direction that matches both their passions and abilities.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Duy Phương – Head of the Office of External Relations at IU – shared about the series of Public Lecture programs that have been conducted. Among them, the program “Applying Technology in Learning English Skills” provided Tây Thạnh High School students with practical insights into exploring and utilizing smart learning applications for more effective language learning.
As part of the October Public Talk series for the new academic year, International University (IU) dedicated time and effort to organizing a captivating session designed to inspire students with engaging stories about technology and English—two topics that have recently drawn great interest from students. The October program was conducted with the support and preparation of the School of Languages.
Graduates of IU’s Bachelor of Arts in English Linguistics program can pursue careers in a variety of professional fields, such as government offices, publishing houses, translation and interpretation companies, editing and tourism services; research institutes and universities; secondary schools, language centers, private tutoring programs within corporations and factories; and domestic or international companies seeking highly skilled professionals in customer service, communications, and external relations. The program also equips students with careers requiring strong English communication and writing skills in international contexts. Moreover, graduates can pursue postgraduate studies and research at universities around the world.
At the beginning of the lecture, Ms.Đỗ Hoàng Nga highlighted the importance of English in various fields, including teaching and translation. She also emphasized how English proficiency is essential for the future, especially in today’s era of global integration and development. “You may study abroad, you may study at IU or in another English-medium institution, or you may work in an international environment where English is necessary for effective communication. English plays a vital role in your life and your future,” affirmed Ms. Đỗ Hoàng Nga.
Ms. Đỗ Hoàng Nga (M.A.) shared with Tây Thạnh High School students methods for learning English effectively using AI and introduced language-learning applications that help optimize grammar correction and feedback.
When talking about technology, Ms. Đỗ Hoàng Nga emphasized that it is a powerful and convenient tool that supports both learning and entertainment for young people today. With just a smartphone in hand, students can use it for leisure activities like listening to music or watching movies—or for educational purposes through apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Duolingo. Through these examples, Ms. Nga highlighted the importance of technology in the learning and research process.
According to the speaker, learning English has never been easy. Many learners struggle with a fear of speaking English: “The fear of mispronouncing words, using the wrong vocabulary, or not sounding like a native speaker often causes anxiety and hesitation, making it difficult for learners to practice their speaking skills.”
Ms. Nga explained that instead of over-emphasizing native-standard pronunciation, learners should focus on mastering the fundamentals of pronunciation and intonation—such as stressing the correct syllables and using appropriate tone to convey meaning effectively. Vocabulary development should also be noted,as it allows learners to express their thoughts and ideas in various situations and contexts. However, she reminded students that the ultimate goal of learning a foreign language is to be able to use it confidently in everyday communication. In reality, during typical conversational settings, participants usually do not discuss overly specialized topics but instead exchange ideas on familiar mattersso learners shouldn’t worry too much about sounding exactly like native speakers.
She also discussed the importance of context in communication, noting that word choice and tone should always adapt to the situation.
Tây Thạnh High School students asked questions to the speaker during the program “Applying Technology in Learning English Skills”
To conclude the session, Ms. Đỗ Hoàng Nga spoke about the role and double-edged nature of information technology in learning and research. While smartphones are helpful, they can also distract students or spread misinformation. She stressed the importance of verifying AI-generated content to avoid overreliance and the gradual erosion of critical thinking. Finally, she encouraged students to learn more about their own devices—how to use them safely and effectively—to support independent learning and better adapt to today’s digital transformation environment.
The speaker took commemorative photos with the school board, teachers, and students of Tây Thạnh High School.