李主聖博士

Ju Seong Lee (李主聖), Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Every day, I reflect on questions that guide my research:

     ·Does my work address real challenges and meet the needs of people and communities?

     ·Does it create solutions that are locally relevant and sustainable?

     ·Can it inspire educators, industry leaders, non-profits, and policymakers to design innovations that benefit society, especially its most vulnerable members?

My journey in advancing educational equity and lifelong learning began in 2000 through volunteering in over 10 countries. In 2018, I developed the Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) model—a framework that connects formal classroom learning with self-directed digital practices. IDLE empowers learners to enhance their English skills and access global opportunities. Our research community has consistently demonstrated IDLE’s positive impact on students and educators. Building on this foundation, we are now integrating AI into IDLE to reach more diverse and under-resourced communities. With support from external and institutional grants, we have implemented IDLE in disadvantaged areas across Hong Kong, mainland China, and Indonesia. Through Indonesia’s Muhammadiyah school network, we are scaling lDLE nationwide and expanding its reach to Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and other Belt and Road countries. At the heart of my work is a belief: without genuine care, research loses its significance and becomes mere noise. This principle guides how I mentor students, collaborate with colleagues, and design solutions that truly connect with and serve communities.