Eunkyoung (Elaine) Cha
University of Georgia

I am a doctoral student in the Learning, Design, and Technology program at the University of Georgia. I earned my master’s degree at the University of Michigan in Educational Studies, where I concentrated on design and technologies for learning across culture and contexts. I graduated from Ewha Womans University in South Korea, where I majored in Advertisement and Public Relations, double majoring in TV & film and minoring in Psychology.

As an international student, I am enthusiastic about improving diversity within the field of instructional design and technology. Specifically, I aim to support ESL/EFL learners in and outside of the United States by centering their unique learning experiences. I am interested in improving the motivation, engagement, perseverance, and achievement of students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. My research interests include ESL/EFL, technology-assisted language learning, game-based learning, extended reality, and authentic learning.

I have been participating in several research projects, including a project that supports teachers in improving students’ sense of belonging in middle school mathematics classrooms, particularly for marginalized students of color, through their teaching practices. I am also participating in other projects that aim to support the teaching and learning practices of teachers and middle school ESL/EFL students within the area of language & literacy and STEM education.

I am confident that my purpose for the study is well aligned with the mission statement of the division of CLT at AECT. I believe that my personal experiences as an international student and research experiences in the intersection of culture, learning, and technology will help the CLT in improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.