Asst. Prof. Cemil Gökhan Karacan

Dr. Cemil Gökhan Karacan is an Assistant Professor in the English Language & Literature program at Istanbul Beykent University. An alumnus of the English Language Teaching program at Istanbul University, he obtained both his master's degree and PhD in the same field from Bahçesehir University. Dr. Karacan's research focuses on language teacher education and digital competence for both pre- and in-service teachers of English. As a technology enthusiast, he harbors a particular interest in CALL, specifically in educational augmented reality. He has also published numerous research studies on a myriad of topics, from SLA to emerging technologies.

Abstract 

Engaging Gen Alpha in the Digital Playground: Social Media and Game-Inspired Activities for EFL 

Today’s Gen Alpha learners are growing up in a digital playground filled with short-form videos, memes, social media trends, and gamified experiences. This workshop equips newly qualified English language teachers with practical, creative strategies to connect with this generation through social media-inspired and game-flavored activities that are age-appropriate, pedagogically sound, and technologically adaptable.

Participants will explore dynamic EFL activities—such as caption battles, fake tweet composition, role-playing with AI-generated characters, and creating subbed AI-generated videos—that blend language learning with the formats Gen Alpha already engages with daily. 

The session includes hands-on activity design, critical reflection on digital culture, and flexible implementation ideas. Teachers will leave with a ready-to-use activity toolkit, a fresh approach to EFL, and a critical lens for evaluating the role of these elements and approaches in EFL classrooms.