Dr Jo Shan Fu
Research Assistant Professor
- HHB916
- +852 2766 7577
- joshan.fu@polyu.edu.hk
- Personal Website
ORCID ID
SCOPUS ID
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Research GateResearch Overview
My research centers on how technology can meaningfully transform English language teaching and learning. I investigate the ways digital tools—such as mobile applications, AI-enhanced platforms, multimodal video creation, social robots, and digital storytelling—support learners’ language development, motivation, and engagement. A large part of my work focuses on improving EFL/ESL learners’ speaking, writing, pragmatic competence, vocabulary growth, and intercultural understanding.
In addition to these areas, I have a strong interest in English for Specific Purposes, particularly Business English and Medical English. This work includes the development and patenting of the DocsDocs medical English learning application, as well as the creation of WriteRight, an AI-supported writing platform that provides learners with personalized guidance to enhance their academic and professional writing skills.
Across my projects, my broader goal is to bridge applied linguistics with educational technology by designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative learning ecosystems that enhance both language proficiency and learner autonomy in diverse educational contexts.
Education and Academic Qualifications
- PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA
- MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Department of Linguistics, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA
Academic and Professional Experience
- Research Assistant Professor, Department of English and Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (2025–present)
- Assistant Professor, Department of English, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (2021–2025)
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Foreign Language Education Center, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (2019–2021)
Teaching Areas
- ESL/EFL Writing
- AI-Enhanced English Writing
- AI-Enhanced English Listening and Speaking
- Reading Strategies & Vocabulary Building
- Business Writing
- English for Tourism
- English for Technology
- Medical/Professional English (ESP)
- English Language Testing & Assessment
- Practicum and Teaching Methodology
- Oral Presentation Skills
- Autonomous Learning and Learner Development
Research Interests
Research Output
- Fu, J. S. & L. Heng (2025). Navigating the Complexities of Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning: Challenges, Equity, and Connectivity in a Digital Era. International Journal of Inclusive Education, doi: 10.1080/13603116.2025.2554245.
- Yeh, H. C., & Fu, J. S. (2025). Multimodal video projects as a catalyst for language proficiency, problem-solving, and creativity. Interactive Learning Environments, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2025.2538754
- Cheng-Yueh Jao, Fu, J. S. & Hui-Chin Yeh (2025). Exploring students’ perceived benefits of multimodal content creation with social robots in language learning. Interactive Learning Environments, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2025.2498538.
- Ben- Said, S., Fu, J. S.& Yeh, H-C. (2024). “It's like a guessing game”: Implementation of multiple sign systems in EFL Reading curriculum for undergraduates in Taiwan. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 00, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaal.1376
- Yeh, H.C. & Fu, J. S. (2023) Promoting intracultural understanding and language proficiency through video creation: a schema activation perspective. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, doi: 10.1080/15391523.2023.2228941
- Hu, Y. H., Fu, J.S., & Yeh, H. C. (2023). Developing an early-warning system through robotic process automation: Are intelligent tutoring robots as effective as human teachers? Interactive Learning Environments. doi: 10.1080/10494820.2022.2160467
- Yeh, H.-C., Yang, S.-H., Fu, J.S., & Shih, Y.-C. (2021). Developing college students’ critical thinking through reflective writing. Higher Education Research & Development, 1-16. doi:10.1080/07294360.2022.2043247
- Fu, J.S. Yeh, H.-C., & Yang, S.-H. (2020). Exploring the impact of digital storytelling on English as a Foreign Language learners’ speaking competence. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, doi:10.1080/15391523.2021.1911008.
- Fu, J.S., Yeh, H.-C., Liang, P.C., & Heng, L., (2021). Exploring adult learners’ perceptions towards learning English via mobile applications. International Journal of Learning Technology,16(3), 181-196.
- Fu, J.S. & Yang, S-H. (2019). Exploring How YouGlish Facilitates EFL Learners’ Speaking Competence. The Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 22(3), 47-58.
- Deng, B.Y. & Fu, J.S. (2026). From Script to Screen: The Impact of Multimodal Video Projects on Taiwanese EFL Students’ Proficiency and Motivation. Presented at the Twenty Second International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society (April 16-17, 2026).
- Fu, J.S. & Deng, B.Y. (2025). Dash into Language: Robot Coding for Productive EFL Skills. Presented at the Sixteenth International Conference on Educational Innovation (November 21-22, 2025).
- Fu, J.S. & Deng, B.Y. (2024). Enhancing Pragmatic Competence through an Online One-On-One English Tutoring Platform. Presented at the 14th International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice (ALAPP) on Dec. 17, 2024.
- Fu, J.S. & Deng, B.Y. (2024). Enhancing Pragmatic Writing Skills through AI-integrated Online Tutoring. Presented at the TERA-GACC Intelligent Future: 2024 Empowering individuals and Communities for all in the AI Era on Nov.16, 2024.
- Fu, J.S. & Ben-Said, S. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Augmented Reality on Nursing Students’ Learning of Anatomic Physiology. Presented at the TERA-GACC Intelligent Future: 2024 Empowering individuals and Communities for all in the AI Era on Nov.16, 2024.
- Fu, J.S.& Ben-Said, S. (2023). Improving the English Oral Competence and Medical Terminology of Non-English Speaking Health Professionals with the DocsDocs Mobile Application. Presented at Joint Conference of APLX, ETRA 40, and TESPA 2023 on Oct 13, 2023.
- DocsDocs Medical English Learning App
> Utility model patent & Invention patent supported by National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology patent subsidy grant (2024–2027). - WriteRight Writing Platform
> Copyright/IP ownership: AI-integrated writing platform (2025-present).
PI: National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan
- AI learning ecosystem: Enhancing university students’ writing, motivation, critical thinking, SRL (2025–2026); Grant NT$ 863,000.
- Impact of AI-integrated one-on-one online writing tutoring on pragmatic writing (2024–2025); Grant NT$ 1,005,959.
- Intracultural values via schema activation and video creation (2023–2024); Grant NT$ 458,000.
- Mobile app for improving EFL nursing students’ speaking competence (2021–2022); Grant NT$ 582,000.
PI: University-Funded Projects, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- PBL and student satisfaction/employability (2024–2025); Grant NT$ 128,000.
- Vocabulary-building using Baicizhan app (2024–2025); Grant NT$ 50,000.
PI: Industry-Academia Collaboration, Taiwan
- National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology–Kaohsiug Medical University collaboration, Taiwan: Mobile app for nursing students’ speaking competence (2022–2023); Grant NT$ 400,000.
- National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology International AI/Industry Collaboration: Mobile-assisted English for healthcare personnel (2022); Grant NT$ 50,000.
- Global Research & Industry Alliance (GLORIA) Project (2022), Taiwan; Grant NT$ 35,000.
Patent & Innovation Funding
- National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology Patent Subsidy Grant (2024–2027); Grant NT$ 16,000.
International Collaboration
Collaborator, International Project: “Personality Traits and Motivation toward Lifelong Language Learning,” University Malaysia Sabah (2021–2023); Grant: RM 30,000.- Editorial Board Member, Journal of Halal Industry and Services (2020-2024).
- Best Paper Award, 2025 International Conference on Educational Innovation (ICEI) Fu, J. S. & Deng, B. Y. (2025). “Dash into Language: Robot Coding for Productive EFL Skills.” Presented at the Sixteenth ICEI, November 21–22, 2025, Taiwan.
- Silver Medal, 2024 Taiwan Innotech Expo Invention Competition, Taiwan.
- Excellent Teaching Feedback Award, 2023 National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
- Journal Article Publication Award, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology Outstanding Research, 2023 National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
- Excellence in Professional Teaching, Workplace Teaching Innovation and Curriculum Enhancement, September to December 2024, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
- Excellence in Professional Teaching, Business English Communication Curriculum Development September to December 2021, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
