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Education

• B.S., Instructional Technology, Wuhan Sports University, 2009

• M.Ed., Journalism and Communication, Wuhan Sports University, 2012

• Ph.D., Learning, Design, and Technology, University of Georgia, 2017

Teaching Philosophy

I aim to empower students to take ownership of their learning and thinking. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to education, and I strive to meet each student where they are by adapting to diverse learning needs and preferences. I believe every student has the ability to learn deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and inspire others. I am committed to creating a learning environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages all students to engage, reflect, and thrive.

Research

I research co-constructive learning—how learners actively build understanding through interactions with others, with technology, and within designed learning environments. I design and develop educational solutions to support this kind of learning and evaluate their effectiveness using mixed methods, including experimental designs, learning analytics, and qualitative analysis. Some of my research is grounded in the ICAP framework, examining how generative AI tools can promote deeper engagement through explanation, questioning, and revision. For example, I study how large language models can support self-regulated learning by prompting students to move from active to constructive or interactive modes of engagement. In another line of research, I investigate how families learn together about AI literacy through co-play-learn experiences, such as board games or other leisure activities.

Outreach

I am an active reviewer for several journals in the field and regularly review submitted manuscripts. These journals include Computers & Education, Educational Technology Research and Development, Computers in Human Behavior, and Technology, Pedagogy and Education.

Biography

Born and raised in Wuhan, China, I later moved to the United States for my doctoral studies in Georgia. Since then, I have lived and worked in Arizona as a postdoc, in Illinois as a practitioner, and now in Alabama as a faculty member, where my role brings together both research and practice. Each stop has added a new layer to my personal and professional journey. When I am not working, you can find me sketching in a quiet corner, planning my next adventure, or curled up with my dogs while staying connected to family.

Courses

ISD 610 – Trends and Issues

ISD 613 – Instructional Strategies

ISD 621 – Instructional Design

ISD 653 – Developing Online Instruction

EDM 510 – Microcomputing Systems in Education