Studio Events

The WLDH event calendar features pedagogy and other workshops, as well  guest lecturers, symposia, and expos on innovative pedagogical technology that can be used in the language, culture, and digital humanities classroom. 

Please add our Outlook calendar wldhs@uark.edu to see any upcoming events and booking reservations!

Spring 2026 Events

April 16: "Accessibility Workshop with Deirdre Slavik"

Deirdre Slavik (far right) leading the Accessibility Workshop to WLLC participants on April 16, 2026. There are four participants pictured along with Deirdre Slavik in the World Language and Digital Humanities Studio.

Above: Deirdre Slavik (far right) leading the Accessibility Workshop on April 16, 2026, to WLLC faculty and staff.

Deirdre Slavik, director of Academic Technologies Innovation and Outreach in University IT Services, led a workshop on Title II Compliance for WLLC faculty and staff on April 16, 2026. The workshop centered on digital accessibility, particularly screen reader compatibility, using Microsoft's accessibility tools and assistant, the use of alt text and heading structures, Optical Character Recognition and table accessibility. Slavik covered platforms ranging from websites and social media to course materials, such as PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, PDFs and permalinks, forms and surveys, infographics, videos and other graphical content. She also shared faculty resources available through the U of A and LinkedIn Learning.

March 19: "The Innovative Pedagogy Expo - Spring 2026"

Three stations of the innovative pedagogy expo. Left: Michael Hall, presenting on "Videogames Belong in the Classroom"; back right, Jenna Allemand presenting "NounTown for Language Learning"; back center, Kathy Comfort presenting "Creating a Medical Case Study in French." Not pictured: Maria Comsa, who presented "NotebookLM for Multimodal Language Learning." The event took place in the WLDH Studio on March 19, 2026.

Above: Three stations of the Innovative Pedagogy Expo. Left: Michael Hall, presenting on "Videogames Belong in the Classroom"; back right, Jenna Allemand presenting "NounTown for Language Learning"; back center, Kathy Comfort presenting "Creating a Medical Case Study in French." Not pictured: Maria Comsa, who presented "NotebookLM for Multimodal Language Learning." The event took place in the WLDH Studio on March 19, 2026.

On Thursday, March 19, the WLDH Studio held the Innovative Pedagogy Expo – a series of lightning presentations on innovative pedagogical tools for use in the language and culture classroom. Presenters from the World Languages, Literatures and Cultures department included Kathy Comfort (professor of French), Maria Comsa (teaching assistant professor of French, WLDH Studio interim Director), Jenna Allemand (teaching assistant of French), and Michael Hall (teaching assistant of Classical Studies, CLCS Ph.D. student) showcased digital tools they have incorporated into their respective courses. Below is the full lineup of presenters alongside the titles of their presentations:

  • Kathy Comfort, "Creating a Medical Case Study in French with Artificial Intelligence"
  • Maria Comsa, "NotebookLM for Multimodal Learning Materials"
  • Jenna Allemand, "NounTown for Language Learning"
  • Michael Hall, "Videogames Belong in the Classroom"

March 3: "The Language and Culture Connections Fair - Spring 2026"

Two students at the Spanish Program's table for the Language and Culture Connections Fair.

Above: Milo Newton (left) and Susan Richey (right) volunteering as student ambassadors at the Spanish Program's table at the Language and Cultural Connections Fair. March 3, 2026.

On Tuesday, March 3, the Language and Culture Connections Fair was held at 11 a.m. in the International Connections Lounge located at the Arkansas Union. This event is co-organized by the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures and University Programs.  The fair is a celebration of connection across cultures and a chance for students to learn about the exciting opportunities available through World Languages, Literatures and Cultures (WLLC). The event featured a tabling setup representing all 10 languages offered in WLLC, as well as affiliated Registered Student Organizations, out-of-class activities and events, and academic pathways for dual majors or minors.

February 24: "Fine Press Facsimiles vs Digital Images: A Conversation on Manuscript Studies"

Left: Giovanni Scorcioni, founder of Facsimile Finder. Right: Joshua Youngblood, associate dean of Special Collections.

Above: Giovanni Scorcioni (left), founder of Facsimile Finder, and Joshua Youngblood (right), associate dean of Special Collections, at the "Fine Press Facsimiles vs Digital Images: A Conversation on Manuscript Studies" event during the symposium. February 24, 2026.

As part of the two-day interdisciplinary Medieval literature and illuminated manuscripts symposium, "Boccaccio's Decameron: New Perspectives Between Text and Image," on Feb. 24-25, 2026, the WLDH Studio hosted "Fine Press Facsimiles vs Digital Images: A Conversation on Manuscript Studies." The scholarly conversation between Joshua Youngblood, assistant dean of Special Collections, and Giovanni Scorcioni, founder of Facsimile Finder, compared printed facsimiles and digital reproductions of medieval manuscripts, focusing on their distinct scholarly applications and limitations.

February 11: "Teaching World Languages with Artificial Intelligence"

Dr. Maria Comsa presenting at the workshop "Teaching World Languages with Artificial Intelligence" held on February 11.

Above: Maria Comsa, teaching assistant professor of French and interim director of the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio, leading the "Teaching World Languages with AI" workshop. February 11, 2026.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio held a workshop on "Teaching World Languages with Artificial Intelligence (AI)." Led by Maria Comsa, teaching assistant professor of French and interim director of the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio, this workshop centered on using Google Gemini for Education and Google NotebookLM as resources for supplementing in-class instruction and enhancing target-language speaking assignments. 

February 5: "Explore Frame VR" Workshop with Chy'Na Nellon

Chy'Na Nellon assisting a workshop participant with troubleshooting Frame VR.

Above: Chy'Na Nellon, assistant director of Learning Innovation and Assessment, assisting workshop participant during "Explore Frame VR," a hands-on workshop session.  February 5, 2026.

On Thursday, February 5, the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio hosted the “Explore Frame VR” workshop led by Chy’Na Nellon. Nellon is the assistant director of Learning Innovation and Assessment and a doctoral student in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies who has implemented Frame VR in her course, Black Digital Storytelling (AAST 3353), whose showcase was held on December 2, 2025. Nellon began the workshop by presenting the showcase space created by her Black Digital Storytelling students, which housed their final projects for the semester. She demonstrated how she created the initial space for her students, featuring her own portfolio of professional work to serve as an example. Nellon then walked participants through joining the space and interacting with highlighted pieces.  

Fall 2025 Event Recaps

December 4: Using AI in the Classroom

"Using AI in the Classroom" participants at the hands-on workshop held on December 4.

Above: "Using AI in the Classroom" participants discuss using Copilot Chat at the workshop held on December 4.

On December 4, the WLDH Studio hosted "Using AI in the Classroom," a hands-on workshop on incorporating University-approved AI tools into language classes led by Maria Comsa. Workshop participants tested the tools and engaged in lively discussion about the AI generated content and its usefulness for language and culture class activities. Comsa then showed how to use Copilot Chat, how to create a Copilot agent, how to use Think Deeper mode and, finally, shared some tips for prompt writing. 

November 6: Getting Started with Digital Humanities

Dr. Maria Comsa (pictured) led the "Getting Started with DH" workshop on November 6.

Above: Maria Comsa led the "Getting Started with Digital Humanities" workshop on November 6 at the WLDH Studio, covering a variety of topics related to DH research.

On November 6, Dr. Maria Comsa, interim director of the WLDH Studio and teaching assistant professor of French, led the "Getting Started with Digital Humanities" workshop held at the WLDH Studio. Comsa shared tips on collecting and organizing data for digital humanities (DH) projects, as well as the importance of preserving saved data and projects.

October 27: Language & Culture Connections Fair

Pictured from left: Christian Smith, Cohen Martinez, and Stanley Fowler volunteering at the Spanish Program's table at the Language and Culture Connections Fair on October 27.

Above: Christian Smith (left), Cohen Martinez (middle), and Stanley Fowler (right) volunteering at the Spanish Program's table at the Language and Culture Connections Fair on October 27.

The World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Department held its "Language and Culture Connections Fair" on Oct. 27 at the International Connections Lounge of the Arkansas Union. This event was organized in collaboration with University Programs and the Multicultural Center. The fair featured a tabling setup from all offered language programs within WLLC Department as well as a table for University Programs and the Multicultural Center. Each language table was filled with information on WLLC courses, programs (like study abroad), student groups, and upcoming events along with culturally relevant treats. 

October 23: Innovative Pedagogy Expo

Flyer: Fall 2025 Innovative Pedagogy Expo

Above: The flyer for the Fall 2025 Innovative Pedagogy Expo, designed by Larissa Rocha, WLDH Studio Researcher.

The WLDH Studio hosted the "Innovative Pedagogy Expo" for the fall 2025 semester on October 23 in JBHT 207. Presenters from the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures and Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies showcased a pedagogical tool and/or strategy they have used in their respective classrooms. These tools covered tools such as Frame Virtual Reality, Unity for game design, mindfulness, and podcasting. The full lineup is included below: 

  • Ryan Chamberlain (instructor of French) and Larissa Rocha (Public Policy Ph.D. student and WLDH Studio Researcher): "Podcasting as a Digital Tool in French Translation"
  • Alexandra Hagen (teaching assistant professor of German) and Adela Vavrinova (German M.A. student): "Mindfulness in First Year Language Learners"
  • Michael Hall (Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies Ph.D. student): "Unity is a Teaching Tool: Teaching Through Game Design"
  • Chy'Na Nellon (assistant director of Learning and Assessment): "Innovative Assessment via Black Digital Storytelling: Using Virtual Reality for Student Showcases"

Oct 2: AI Literacy – UARK AI Guidelines

Left to right: Ken Muessig, Amalie Holland, Chase Rainwater (on screen), Maria Comsa (moderator), and Edward Holland at the AI Literacy event.From left: Ken Muessig, Amalie Holland, Chase Rainwater (on screen), Maria Comsa (moderator), and Edward Holland at the AI Literacy event.

On Oct. 2, the Studio hosted “AI Literacy”: a conversation with colleagues involved in developing the University of Arkansas new AI Guidelines from 3:30 to 4:45 pm. Panelists Chase Rainwater, Edward Holland, Ken Muessig, and Amalie Holland gave an overview of the university guidelines as they pertain to teaching and learning as well as best practices for incorporating AI in ethical, mindful ways. 

September 25: "Digital Tools for Teaching" Workshop

On Thursday, September 25, the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio hosted the hybrid "Digital Tools for Teaching" workshop. Dr. Maria Comsa, interim director of the WLDH Studio and teaching assistant professor of French, along with Cheyenne Roy, assistant director of the WLDH Studio, Sydney Massey, teaching assistant of French and Studio researcher, presented on using Padlet, Quizlet, Canva and Kahoot! in the world language classroom. Held via Microsoft Teams and in-person, the workshop included hands-on practice with each digital tool for participants.

September 11: 'Navigating Graduate School and Beyond' Panel Shares Advice on Work-Life Balance, Job Market

Panelists at the 'Navigating' event on September 11.

From left: Panelists Chy'Na Nellon (CLCS, Learning Innovation and Assessment), Ann Doucet (French), Ryan Chamberlain (French), Brenda Magnetti (Spanish).

On Thursday, Sept. 11, the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio held its kickoff event for the fall semester: "Navigating Graduate School and Beyond." The event focused on balancing graduate school responsibilities, such as coursework and teaching, with preparing for a post-grad career and personal life. 

Previous Studio Events

Spring 2025 Event Calendar

Spring 2025 Event Recaps

May 1: Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) 2026 Edited Volume Roundtable with WLLC Authors and Editors

CALL Roundtable

The Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) 2026 Edited Volume Roundtable featured a panel of authors and editors from the World Languages, Literatures and Cultures department.

Linda Jones, chair of the department; David Fredrick, professor of classical studies in the department; and Curtis Maughan, professor of digital humanities in the department, are the editors of the 2026 volume, titled "Game-Based Approaches to CALL" (University of Toronto Press, forthcoming).

CALL Presenters and Titles:

  • Jake Abell (Baylor): "Chatting with the Past: AI-Facilitated Learning and Medieval French"
  • Ryan Calabretta-Sajder, Claudia Devich, Valentina Morello: "Gaming Italian Style: Adopting Commercial Videogames in the Elementary Italian Curriculum"
  • Maria Comsa: "Digital Innovations that Enrich French Language Instruction in Higher Education"
  • Michael Hall: "Holographic Universe: The Story and Mission of the VR Classroom at UARK"
  • Heather Offerman: "L2 Pronunciation Instruction Methodology and L2 Perception: Assessing Production Instruction Effects on Perception in L2 Spanish"
  • Maria Comsa, Curtis Maughan, Sung-Hye Yang: "Immerse at UARK: AI-Powered Language Practice for French and Spanish"

April 15: Digital Humanities Collective (DHC) Open House 

DHC Open House

The Digital Humanities Collaborative and World Languages & Digital Humanities Studio held "The Digital Humanities Collaborative: Open House & Lightning Talks" in the newly remodeled space, JBHT 255. The DHC is a mixed-use space for teaching, student-led research and workshops which foster the creative application of digital technology in the service of the humanities. The departments of English, History and WLLC have combined resources to renovate JBHT 255 thus far.

March 11: Gaming Language and Playing Kafka: Intercultural Education in the Ludic Century with Vít Šisler (Co-Founder and Game Designer, Charles Games)

Award-winning game designer and co-founder of Charles Games, Vít Šisler, presents "Gaming Language and Playing Kafka: Intercultural Education in the Ludic Century" in the World Languages & Digital Humanities Studio on March 12, 2025.

The award-winning game designer and co-founder of Charles Games, Vít Šisler, visited the U of A from March 11-13. Šisler gave a public lecture on the evening of March 12 called "Gaming Language and Playing Kafka: Intercultural Education in the Ludic Century" in the World Languages & Digital Humanities Studio, located in J.B. Hunt Center, room 207.  A Q&A was held after the lecture.

February 27: Spring 2025 Innovative Pedagogy Expo

Top Left, clockwise: Sydney Massey, Annie Doucet, Li Yang, Maria Comsa, and Sung-Hye Yang at the Innovative Pedagogy Expo in Spring 2025.

Five presenters from the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures showcased a pedagogical tool and/or strategy they have used in their respective classrooms to complement language learning instruction, ranging from utilizing AI to Kahoot Quizzes to Voyant for Distant Reading.

The presenters were:

  • Sydney Massey (French Teaching Assistant): "Teaching Time and Schedules Using Real-World Applications"
  • Annie Doucet (Assistant Professor of French): "Voyant and Distant Reading"
  • Li Yang (Instructor of Chinese): "How to Design a Multi-Functional Oral Exam"
  • Maria Comsa (Teaching Assistant Professor of French): "AI: A Student Critical Thinking Partner"
  • Sung-Hye Yang (Instructor of Spanish): "Enhancing Learning and Assessment With Online Quiz Tools: Kahoot & Forms"

January 30: Game-Based Approaches to Teaching and Research

Game-Based Approaches to Teaching and Research

Seven speakers from across campus, including World Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Journalism, Communication, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies, and Computer Science were on the panel. Each presenter gave a 5-minute talk on the ways in which they've incorporated a game-based approach to their respective research interests or teaching practices.

The lineup included:

  • Joomi Lee, assistant professor of Mediated Communication, Department of Communication

  • Dave Fredrick, associate professor of Classical Studies, Game Design, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

  • Alejandro Martin Gomez, assistant professor of Engineering, I3R, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

  • Jenna Allemand, teaching assistant of French, WLDH Studio researcher, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

  • Sam Campbell, teaching assistant of Rhetoric & Composition, Comparative Literatures & Cultural Studies Ph.D student 

  • Curtis Maughan, teaching assistant professor of Digital Humanities, director of the WLDH Studio, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures 

  • Brandon Bouchillon, associate professor of Journalism, School of Journalism and Strategic Media 

Fall 2024

Spring 2024

Fall 2023

Spring 2023

Fall 2022