Ella Johnston

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About

Ella Johnston is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction for second language (L2) acquisition, with a focus on designing socially intelligent robots that facilitate authentic conversation practice. Her work bridges educational technology, applied linguistics, and robotics, exploring how robots can emulate human spoken and non-verbal interaction strategies to support learners. In her highly cited 2022 study, "Learner and teacher perspectives on robot-led L2 conversation practice," she synthesized interview data from both students and instructors to propose actionable design recommendations for more effective robot tutors. This paper, with 11 citations, has become a foundational reference for researchers developing conversational agents in language education. Johnston’s contributions are notable for centering the voices of end-users—learners and teachers—ensuring that technological innovation is grounded in pedagogical reality. Her work challenges assumptions about robot-led instruction, advocating for nuanced, context-aware interaction designs. As a rising voice in the field, Johnston’s research is shaping how we think about the role of social robots in personalized, accessible language learning environments.