Biography

Dr. Ai-Chu Elisha Ding teaches graduate courses for the Learning Design and Technology program. Her research examines the innovative and equitable technology integration and professional development in K-12 education. Specifically, she has focused on supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) and struggling readers in STEM education through technology-infused innovative pedagogies such as game-based learning (GBL), virtual reality (VR), and elementary-level computer programming. She has worked closely with both pre-service and in-service teachers on their professional development and technology integration. Her current grant project sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education provide support to middle school STEAM teachers on designing and incorporating GBL along with using VR and block programming to enhance student collaboration and multimodal meaning making. She is currently the program chair of the Technology as Agent of Change for Teaching and Learning (TACTL) SIG for the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

Areas of Expertise

  • K-12 Technology Integration and Teacher Professional Development
  • Game-Based Learning in STEM Education
  • Technology-Mediated Multimodal Learning for English Learners (ELs)
  • Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality/Mixed Reality
  • Video Case-Based Teacher Reflection

Education

  •  Dual Major Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology & Literacy, Culture and Language Education, 2018
    Indiana University-Bloomington
  •  M.A. in Educational Studies, 2011
    University of Michigan
  •  B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures, 2009
    National Taiwan University

Contact

 River's Crossing, Room 222
 706-542-3230 (office)

Research Summary

My current research agenda focuses on supporting struggling learners (especially English Learners) through the use of innovative pedagogies such as game-based learning (GBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) and the use of emerging technology and skills such as virtual reality (VR) and elementary-level computer programming. With this line of research, I have dedicated my service and research to teachers’ professional development as well.

Grants

Indiana Department of Education-1008 Student Learning Recovery Grant
2021 July-Current
I am in charge of providing teacher professional development on inclusive game-based learning design and individual tutoring program and research their impact on student learning.

Awards and Accolades

Qualitative Inquiry Award

AECT, 2021

TACTL SIG Best Paper Award

AERA, 2019

School of Education Outstanding Teaching Award

Indiana University-Bloomington, 2016

Nova Southeastern Award for Outstanding Practice by Graduate Students in Instructional Design

AECT, 2013