Syracuse University
Ph.D. in Instructional Design, Development & Evaluation
School of Education · New York, United States
Advisor: Dr. Moon-Heum Cho
Dissertation Focus: AI-Supported Online Case-Based Learning
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Central China Normal University
MS in Educational Information Technology
Faculty of Artificial Intelligence Education · Hubei, China
Advisor: Dr. Heng Luo
Central China Normal University
BS in Educational Technology
Faculty of Artificial Intelligence Education · Hubei, China
Selected Research Experience
Student Principal Investigator
School of Education, Syracuse University
Public Discourse on AI in Education
- Designed and lead the study, including research design, data collection and preparation, computational text analysis, human-coded validation, and interpretation.
- Refine the research questions and analytical framework and lead manuscript development in collaboration with the faculty supervisor.
Graduate Research Assistant
School of Education, Syracuse University
AI Literacy in Higher Education
- Reviewed and synthesized literature for Module 1 and contributed to the review and revision of materials across the AI Literacy for Teaching microcredential, including interactive cases, course chatbots, a Module 3 tutorial, quizzes, examples, rubrics, and visual materials.
- Developed an expert-review instrument, conducted four expert reviews, synthesized recommendations, contributed to revisions, refined the instrument, prepared participant-facing research materials, and supported ongoing data collection.
AI-Supported Lesson Planning for Teachers
- Conducted study screening, full-text review, qualitative coding, and thematic analysis for systematic reviews of generative AI-supported lesson planning.
- Developed visual and tabular syntheses, contributed to the literature review, and took primary responsibility for the complete results section.
Student Principal Investigator
School of Education, Syracuse University
Understanding Students’ Experiences in AI-Supported Online Case-Based Learning
- Lead research design, grant and instrument development, multi-institutional IRB coordination, instructional activity design, participant coordination, and data collection and analysis.
- Conduct qualitative interviews, coordinate the research team, and lead manuscript development and conference dissemination.
Graduate Research Assistant
School of Education, Syracuse University
AI Adoption in Instructional Design
- Contributed to quantitative and qualitative data analysis, data visualization, and manuscript development.
- Presented the research as presenting author at the 2026 AERA Annual Meeting.
- Contributed to manuscript revision and publication of the study in Online Learning in 2026.
Publications
Cho, M.-H.*, & Chen, Y. (2026). Predicting online instructional design students’ intention to use AI tools: Value, utility, and self-efficacy. Online Learning, 30(2), 130–152. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v30i2.5566
Chen, Y., & Luo, H.* (2025). What makes a better case? Impact of case familiarity and story ending on online case-based learning. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 56, Article 101769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101769
Luo, H., Chen, Y., Chen, T., Koszalka, T. A.*, & Feng, Q.* (2023). Impact of role assignment and group size on asynchronous online discussion: An experimental study. Computers & Education, 192, 104658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104658
Luo, H.*, Han, X., Chen, Y., & Nie, Y. (2022). Should you become a leader in online collaborative learning? Impact of assigned leadership on learning behaviors, outcomes, and perceptions. PLOS ONE, 17(4), e0266653. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266653
Han, X., Chen, Y., Feng, Q.*, & Luo, H.* (2022). Augmented reality in professional training: A review of the literature from 2001 to 2020. Applied Sciences, 12, 1024. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031024
Feng, Q., Luo, H.*, Li, W.*, Chen, Y., & Zhang, J. (2021). The moderating effect of debriefing on learning outcomes of IVR-based instruction: An experimental research. Applied Sciences, 11, 10426. https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110426
Chen, Y., Feng, Q., & Luo, H.* (2021). Investigating the design and effectiveness of role strategies for online discussion. Academic Journal of Xinjiang Teacher’s College, 37(2), 11–21.
Luo, H., Feng, Q., Chen, Y., Zeng, L., & Zuo, M.* (2020). Investigation of online teaching platforms and tools for elementary and secondary schools during the “fight against COVID-19” period. Modern Educational Technology, 30(7), 113–119.
Conference Papers
Song, N., Feng, Q., Chen, Y., & Luo, H.* (2022). Which role should I choose in role-based online discussion? An in-depth analysis of role difference. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Computer Science and Technologies in Education (CSTE). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/CSTE55932.2022.00047
Chen, Y. [presenting author], Deng, X., Huang, Q., & Luo, H.* (2022). Patterns and trends in online learning behaviors: Evidence from Google Analytics. Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Engineering, Technology & Education (TALE’21), 961–964. IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/TALE52509.2021.9678689
Feng, Q., Chen, Y., & Luo, H.* (2021). Online discussion with assigned roles: Does it bring better learning behaviors and experiences?. Proceedings of ISET’2021: The 7th International Symposium on Educational Technology, 10–14. IEEE Computer Society. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISET52350.2021.00013
Chen, Y. [presenting author], Luo, H.*, Xu, H., Zhang, J., & Nie, Y. (2020). Does it matter to be a group leader? Exploring the impact of assigned leadership on small group online collaborative learning. Proceedings of ISET’2020: The 6th International Symposium on Educational Technology, 288–292. IEEE Computer Society. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISET49818.2020.00069
Li, M., Chen, Y., & Luo, H.* (2020). Effects of grouping strategies on asynchronous online discussion: Evidence from learning analytics and social network analysis. Proceedings of ISET’2020: The 6th International Symposium on Educational Technology, 273–276. IEEE Computer Society. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISET49818.2020.00066
Refereed Conference Presentations
Chen, Y. [presenting author], Xu, M., Luo, H., & Cho, M.-H. (2026). Bridging AI Tools and Meaningful Distance Learning: Psychological Mechanisms in Online Case-Based Learning. Roundtable presentation accepted at the AECT 2026 International Convention.
Chen, Y. [presenting author], Wang, P., Cho, M.-H., & Luo, H. (2026). How Students Make Sense of AI in Online Case-Based Learning: A Qualitative Inquiry. Roundtable presentation accepted at the AECT 2026 International Convention.
Chen, Y. [presenting author], & Cho, M.-H. (2026). Instructional design students’ intention to use AI tools in ID practices. Roundtable presentation at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
Luo, H., Chen, Y. [presenting author], Chen, T., Koszalka, T. A., & Feng, Q. (2022, November). Impact of role assignment and group size on asynchronous online discussion: An experimental study. International Forum “Pedagogical Education in the Conditions of Global Digitalization,” Novosibirskaya Oblast, Russia (Virtual Event).
Chen, Y. [presenting author], Deng, X., Huang, Q., & Luo, H.* (2022). Patterns and trends in online learning behaviors: Evidence from Google Analytics. Presentation at the IEEE International Conference on Engineering, Technology & Education (TALE’21).
Chen, Y. [presenting author], Luo, H.*, Xu, H., Zhang, J., & Nie, Y. (2020). Does it matter to be a group leader? Exploring the impact of assigned leadership on small group online collaborative learning. Presentation at The 6th International Symposium on Educational Technology (ISET 2020).
Research Grants & Funding
Principal Investigator / Student PI Awards
Dissertation grant
Understanding Students’ Experiences in AI-Supported Online Case-Based Learning: A Mixed-Method Study
Syracuse University Research Excellence (SURE) Dissertation Grant Program
Students’ experiences and perceptions of AI-supported case-based learning in online environment: A qualitative study
School of Education Research and Creative Grant award at Syracuse University
Strategy application effects of case-based learning in blended learning of graduate students: Evidence from learning analytics
Postgraduate Education and Teaching Reform Research Funds for the CCNU
Funded Research Participation
Collaborative learning in virtual reality: Occurrence mechanism and effective strategies
The National Natural Science Foundation of China
Behavioral diagnosis and facilitating strategies for undergraduate students’ online discussion from the perspective of learning analytics
Higher Education Research Project funded by Ministry of Education of Hubei Province
Theory and practice of educational innovation and reform enabled by ICTs
Key Research Project of Co-Innovation Center for Educational Informatization and Balanced Development of Basic Education
Teaching Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant
School of Education, Syracuse University
AI Literacy for Teaching Online Microcredential
- Supporting the delivery of this online microcredential through course preparation, participant support, and facilitation of online learning activities.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
School of Education, Syracuse University
Educational Technologies for International Settings (IDE 772)
- Reviewed six course modules for content accuracy, reference verification, instructional clarity, and visual design, and explored AI-assisted tools including HeyGen and Napkin AI to develop concise instructional videos and module visuals.
- Facilitated online discussions through individualized, substantive feedback on students’ initial posts, with attention to idea development, examples, AI-related content, and country-specific contexts.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
School of Education, Syracuse University
Integrating Technology into Instruction III (IDE 401)
- Supported three course sections across in-person and asynchronous formats during Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
- Contributed to course preparation and refinement by reviewing syllabi and module plans, preparing teaching materials and discussion activities, checking course schedules and assignment alignment, and reviewing Blackboard resources and instructional links.
- Supported students through consultation, responses to course questions, discussion activities, and coursework grading, while also helping identify places where activities, resources, deadlines, and student support needed to be adapted for asynchronous delivery.
Course Developer & Lecturer
Faculty of Artificial Intelligence Education, Central China Normal University
Instructional System Design and Case Analysis
- Co-designed an online graduate course on China’s Graduate Smart Education Platform, including content development, quiz design, and project supervision.
- Served as lead lecturer for three instructional videos and coordinated a cross-functional course development team.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Faculty of Artificial Intelligence Education, Central China Normal University
Instructional System Design and Case Analysis · Freshman Seminar · Introduction to Educational Technology · SPSS Statistics and Analysis
- Designed course activities and developed and graded final case-report assignments for Instructional System Design and Case Analysis.
- Facilitated classroom activities, including debates, and graded the final exam for Introduction to Educational Technology.
- Responded to student questions across courses, assisted with final-exam design for Freshman Seminar and SPSS Statistics and Analysis, and graded final exams.
Course-design support
Undergraduate course-design experience, Central China Normal University
Cognitive Psychology
- Contributed to course planning and syllabus revision, helped establish and refine learning goals, and updated the grading rubric.
Professional Development
Future Professoriate Program (FPP)
Syracuse University Graduate School & School of Education · Ongoing
Joined faculty mentoring and workshops on teaching, the academic job search, and other topics I was interested in while working toward the Certificate in University Teaching.
Academic Job Search Series
Syracuse University Graduate School · Completed
Attended a four-day Graduate School series on CVs and cover letters, research and teaching statements, academic interviews, and application materials.
Faculty Fluency in AI
Online Learning Services & Information Technology Services, Syracuse University · Completed
Joined a university training series on AI tools and their use in teaching and higher education.
ENL 610: Oral Communication in Teaching
Syracuse University Graduate School · Completed
Completed a two-semester, non-credit course for international teaching assistants, with practice in classroom communication, discussion, and academic presentations.
English Conversation Partner Program
Syracuse University Graduate School · Completed
Met online each week with local undergraduate conversation partners and talked about daily life, cultural differences, school, personal interests, and other topics.
Service & Leadership
Reviewer, American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting
Session Chair, Online Session 15: Intelligence-Enhanced STEM Education and Computational Thinking, 8th International Conference on Computer Science and Technologies in Education (CSTE 2026)
Reviewer, Discover Education
Reviewer, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
Reviewer, Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) International Convention
Reviewer, npj Science of Learning
Reviewer, Computers & Education
Reviewer, PLOS ONE
Undergraduate mentor, iTeach national competition
Volunteer teacher for elementary students in rural Huangpi, China
Journal chief editor for public benefit magazine at Central China Normal University
Honors & Awards
Syracuse University Research Excellence (SURE) Dissertation Grant, Syracuse University (Competitive)Research grant · $2,737.39
Professional, Academic, and Creative (PAC) Work Grant, Syracuse University Graduate SchoolConference travel / professional development support · $600
School of Education Research and Creative Grant Award, Syracuse University (Competitive)Research grant · $850
Future Professoriate Program (FPP) Stipend, Syracuse UniversityProfessional development stipend · $400
Graduate Research Assistantship, Syracuse UniversityAssistantship
Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Syracuse UniversityAssistantship
Chinese National Scholarship for Graduate Students, Central China Normal University (ranked 1 of 147)Scholarship
First-class Scholarship for Graduate Students, Central China Normal University (top 20%)Scholarship
Third Prize, iTeach National Competition (Digital Education Innovation)Competition award
Second Prize, iTeach National Competition (Digital Education Innovation)Competition award
Professional Affiliations
Student Member, Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
Student Member, American Educational Research Association (AERA)