Zhongyu Wang

Position

PhD Student – Third Year

How Did You Join the ISLT Program at FSU?

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” This quote deeply resonates with my journey to joining the ISLT program at FSU. Coming from an English and Translation background, I initially felt uncertain about transitioning into the field of instructional systems and learning technologies. However, I chose to embrace this new direction, driven by my curiosity about how learning happens in different situations and how emerging technologies can enhance learning. That choice led me to FSU, where I found a program that aligns with my passion for student engagement in online learning environments, game-based learning, AI integration in education, and instructional design.

Introduction

I am a Ph.D. student in the Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies program at Florida State University, with a research focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) and self-directed learning shape modern education. Coming from a background in English and Translation, I became increasingly interested in how emerging technologies influence learning environments. My work explores students’ interactions with AI, their ethical awareness, and the role of AI in instructional practices. I am also deeply interested in SDL, particularly in how learners—especially those in creative and technology-driven fields—develop and refine their skills independently. By examining the intersection of AI, SDL, and instructional design, I aim to contribute to the development of more engaging, effective, and ethical learning experiences.

Research Interests

• AI integration in education
• AI literacy and ethics in learning environments
• Game-based learning
• Self-directed learning and self-regulated learning
• The role of instructional design in emerging technologies

Projects

• ChatGPT and college students’ positions:

 Investigating how students perceive and interact with ChatGPT for coursework.

• Students’ AI ethics awareness:

Examining students’ understanding of AI ethics and responsible AI use.

• Interactive AI identification game:

Developing a game to help students understand AI concepts, evaluate AI performance, and explore human-AI collaboration strategies in a game-based learning environment.

• Game developers’ self-directed learning:

Analyzing how game developers engage in SDL and apply learning strategies in their work.

Social Media

Google scholar: Zhongyu Wang

LinkedIn: Zhongyu Wang