Professional Goal

My long-term professional goal is to become a skilled and impactful researcher-practitioner in the field of Instructional Design and Educational Technology. I hope to bridge the gap between theory and practice by developing research-informed, technology-enhanced instructional solutions that support student learning, improve cognitive performance, and promote emotional well-being and academic success. I aim to build my expertise by integrating practical experience in instructional design, formal academic training, and research on how technology can improve teaching and learning.

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I began my journey in instructional design with two years of professional experience working as an instructional designer at the University of Hong Kong. During that time, I collaborated closely with faculty to develop high-quality online and hybrid courses, particularly in response to the urgent demands of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience helped me build a strong foundation in course design, media selection, learner engagement strategies, and digital pedagogy. I applied design models such as ADDIE and backward design and became proficient in using various technologies to enhance teaching and learning. This work also deepened my interest in the broader potential of educational technology to improve student outcomes and accessibility.

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In addition to this practical experience, I had the opportunity during my undergraduate studies to teach pre-service teachers how to integrate information technology into their teaching practice. This early teaching experience gave me valuable insight into how future educators think about using technology in the classroom. It also sparked my interest in helping students and educators use digital tools more effectively and meaningfully to enhance teaching and learning.  While I have not had formal teaching experience since joining Syracuse University, these early experiences continue to influence my perspective as both a researcher and designer.

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Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Instructional Design, Development & Evaluation (IDD&E) at Syracuse University to expand my theoretical and methodological expertise. My research focuses on how well-designed, immersive learning experiences can reduce cognitive load, foster motivation, enhance emotional well-being, and ultimately improve academic performance. My work draws on learning theories such as cognitive load theory, multimedia learning theory, and self-determination theory to inform the design and evaluation of technology-based interventions.

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To achieve my goal of becoming a well-rounded researcher and practitioner in instructional design, I have outlined several key steps for my professional development:

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1. Advance my understanding of learning theories and instructional design models.
A strong theoretical foundation is essential to effective design and research. I plan to continue deepening my understanding of relevant learning theories and instructional design models/frameworks to ensure that my work is grounded in proven principles that support diverse learners.

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2. Develop advanced research skills.

Becoming a skilled researcher requires fluency in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. I aim to develop strong competence in statistical techniques such as ANOVA, ANCOVA, and factor analysis to analyze experimental data and identify meaningful patterns in learning outcomes. At the same time, I am working to strengthen my qualitative research skills, including conducting thematic analysis, coding interview transcripts, and interpreting patterns across participant narratives. 

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3. Conduct research that addresses real-world educational challenges.
My goal is to design and evaluate learning environments that address actual challenges faced by students and educators. For example, I plan to explore how VR-based learning can improve students' cognitive performance while not making them feel overwhelmed, and how AI-powered tools can support personalized learning.

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4. Translate research into practical design.
One of my core professional values is ensuring that research findings lead to usable, accessible, and impactful solutions. I aim to create instructional materials, digital environments, and instructional design guidelines that practitioners can implement effectively in diverse contexts.

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5. Engage in academic and professional communities.
I plan to present my research at conferences such as AECT and AERA, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborate with other scholars and designers. These professional activities are essential for refining my ideas, gaining feedback, and contributing to the broader dialogue around instructional innovation and learning technologies.

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Ultimately, I envision a career where I can integrate research, design, and collaboration to improve how students learn and thrive. Whether working in academia, research institutes, or educational development centers, I hope to be at the intersection of theory and practice, using data-driven insights and instructional design expertise to shape the future of education.