Dr. Thomas Robb on Extensive Reading (Past Present, & Future) PIE SIG Podcast+ Episode #1

Send us Fan MailPIE SIG Podcast+ is a sister podcast to the PIE SIG podcast, but focuses on current activities on the PIE scene, like upcoming conferences, recently published PIE articles, and student performances. In this episode, Darren interviews Dr. Thomas Robb, Professor Emeritus at Kyoto Sangyo University and Extensive Reading Foundation Chairperson about the 2026 STEAM Conference in Naha, Okinawa.2026 STEAM Conference in OKINAWA! Conference: Full STEAM Ahead! Date: February 20 (Fri.) ~ 22 (Sun.) 2026Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Gender Equality Center [Tiruru] in Naha, Okinawa (not far from the Okinawa International Airport)Topic: STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics)Theme: A STEAMY Conference: Adding Arts to STEM CurriculaMotto: Full STEAM Ahead!Plenary Speaker: Tom Robb, Professor Emeritus Kyoto Sangyo University, Editor-in-Chief, TESL-EJ.org Chair, The Extensive Reading Foundation (https://erfoundation.org)STEAM Explanatory ArticleWe plan to invite SIGs that have a connection with STEAM topics, 22 JALT Associate Members/Publishers, and all of the international language organizations JALT is affiliated with.The Call for Papers can be found here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKkO91gIfrJRBZAZyb9s21hHE5Me8XwCB2Qd0Xk_TqhTwiVw/viewform Please register by Sunday, February 8, 2026 JST.Find more information on the STEAM conference here:https://jaltpiesig.org/pie-sigs-okinawa-steam-conference/Dr Thomas Robb's scholarship can be found here:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=leg2vUsAAAAJ&hl=enThe Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF) Website:https://erfoundation.org/wordpress/The JALT Extensive Reading SIG Website:https://er.jalt.org/aboutComputer Assisted Language Learning (JALT) Website:https://jalt.org/group/computer-assisted-language-learning/Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website:https://jaltpiesig.org/Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website. https://jaltpiesig.org/Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at:[email protected] access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALTCALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud!https://soundcloud.com/jalt-callFor tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharingIntro & Outro song: Unlock Me (Royalty free)Music by Kontraa Studio | UKA Music Publishing LLC