Shenghua Zha, Ph.D.
Education
B.A., English for Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
Wuhan, Hubei, China, 1998
M.A., Computer-assisted Language Learning in Applied Linguistics, Shanghai JiaoTong
University, Shanghai, China, 2001
Ph.D., Information Science and Learning Technologies, University of Missouri-Columbia,
MO, USA, 2006
Teaching Philosophy
Every student is unique in my class. They differ from each other in a lot of perspectives, such as cultural background, attitudes toward the subjects, and prior experiences. I value their diverse needs and actively pursue innovative technologies and approaches to cater to those needs. At the same time, I believe that my students all have the capability of fulfilling their potentials when they devote to the subjects they learn. It is my role to work with them, identifying and seeking solutions to their learning challenges and helping them to foster a passion in their subjects and future teaching.
Research
My research interests include technology-integrated learning, group dynamics, and peer interactions. My current research effort is focused on integrating computational thinking education in K-8 education and pre-service teacher education.
Outreach
I am a reviewer of American Journal of Distance Education, Journal of Educational Computing Research, Research in Learning and Technology, and Information Discovery and Delivery.
Biography
I grew up and received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in China. I studied English for Science and Technology as an undergraduate at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and Applied Linguistics as a graduate at Shanghai Jiaotong University (SJTU). In my graduate assistantship at SJTU, I joined in a national project led by my advisor at that time, Dr. Shutang Zheng on developing computer-assisted language learning protocols for the College English textbooks. That work cultivated my interest in learning technologies. I studied and received my Ph.D. degree in Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In my doctoral study, my advisor Dr. Gail Fitzgerald introduced me into the wonderful world of mixed-method research, which has been the method used in most of my studies since then. Upon the completion of my doctoral study, I worked in the fields of instructional design and professional development for several years. In my spare time, I enjoy taking care of plants. It is a fun time to see them grow and bloom.
Courses
EDM 310 - Microcomputing Systems
ISD 581 - Digital Media Tools
ISD 622 - Advanced Instructional Design
ISD 642 - Project Coordination
ISD 651 - Learning Theory and Technology