Linying Dong
An innovative educator and a passionate researcher, Dr. Dong focuses on experiential education and applied research. She has been awarded numerous teaching awards for her teaching excellence including the most prestigious lifetime teaching achievement award at Toronto Metropolitan University, the Provost’s Award for Experiential Teaching (2018). She is also the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the Dean’s Teaching Award (2020), Best Poster Award by Toronto Metropolitan LTO (2016), and the TRSM Innovation Teaching Fund (three times from 2017 to 2018).
Dr. Dong is devoted to using emerging technologies to engage students not only within but also outside the classroom. Her recent project, funded by a Learning and Teaching Grant, examines the impact of using AI chatbots to improve student learning.
New Technologies for Learning Beyond The Classroom: Impact on Students' Knowledge Retention and Work-Study Balance
Higher education learning is challenged by a rising trend of students working while studying. Studies have discovered that working while studying reduces learning time and increases fatigue and psychological detachment from school. Students who work while studying experience lower well-being and a higher probability of repeating or dropping out.
To address the adverse impacts of working while studying, this project aims to experiment with seamless learning (learning anywhere and anytime) by engaging student learning beyond the classroom. In particular, the project proposes to (1) deploy an AI chatbot that serves as a 24x7 learning buddy and (2) motivate students to develop TikTok-like learning materials. By offering seamless learning via interactive technology and engaging learning materials, the project could stimulate student learning and cultivate positive student learning behaviors, resulting in not only enhanced learning outcomes but also a better work-study balance. As an early effort in seamless learning, the project bears significant theoretical and practical implications.