Robert Godwin-Jones

Robert Godwin-Jones is a Professor in the Department of Foreign Language at Virginia Commonwealth University's College of Humanities and Sciences, where he has served since 1979. He holds the position of Foreign Language Liaison and maintains active scholarly contributions through his "German Stories" digital repository and "Communicating Across Cultures" blog, focusing on technology-enhanced language pedagogy and intercultural communication.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in French and German from Franklin and Marshall College (1971)
• M.A. in Comparative Literature (German, French, and English) (1973)
• Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1977)

Dr. Godwin-Jones specializes in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), with research spanning artificial intelligence applications, virtual reality environments, and digital literacies for language learners. His work examines how emerging technologies transform second language acquisition through ecological semiotics, distributed agency models, and multimodal communication frameworks. He investigates pedagogical translanguaging strategies for less commonly taught languages and analyzes authenticity in AI-mediated language interactions, particularly in pragmatics and writing development.

Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) generative AI integration in language instruction with emphasis on ethical implementation and threat mitigation; (2) extended reality applications creating immersive language spaces in the metaverse; and (3) ecological approaches connecting smart devices, ambient intelligence, and situated learning contexts. His scholarship consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications across 19th-century German literature studies and contemporary language education.

He maintains active professional engagement through memberships in:

• Delta Phi Alpha German Honorary Society
• Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society
• Modern Language Association
• American Association of Teachers of German
• American Association of Teachers of French
• Foreign Language Association of Virginia

As director of the "German Stories" project since 1994, he has curated verified editions of 19th-century German narratives with English translations under Creative Commons licensing, creating what has become a foundational resource for literary study and language acquisition. His blog extends this work through contemporary analyses of intercultural communication challenges, while his scholarly leadership in organizations like CALICO shapes national discourse on technology in language education.

His laboratory functions as the "German Stories" digital ecosystem, which has evolved into a comprehensive platform hosting annotated texts, pedagogical resources, and research archives. This environment supports both formal classroom instruction and informal learning communities, demonstrating his commitment to porous classroom models that integrate physical and digital learning spaces.