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Wangda Zhu
PolyU Scholars Hub

Wangda Zhu

Assistant Professor

  • V902e
  • +852 2766 6835
  • wangda.zhu@polyu.edu.hk
  • Expertise: Interaction Design, AI in Education, UX Research Methods

Biography

Dr. Wangda Zhu leads the Learning Experience Design (LxD) Lab.Before joining PolyU Design, Dr Zhu was a Postdoc Associate at University of Florida, focusing on AI in design and education. He has a PhD and a Master from Cornell University, a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Architecture from Zhejiang University. He has taught design studios and research methods at Cornell University, University of Florida, and University of Pittsburgh. He has worked as a UX researcher for leading technology companies such as Google, Alibaba, and EBSCO. His research interests include creative systems design and development, AI in education, and design research methods. He has published over 10 journal papers, such as Computers & Education and BJET, and has been awarded Best Paper Nominations in LAK, ASEE, and EDRA.

Dr Zhu is now actively looking for Postdocs, PhD students, and Research Assistants in learning system design and development (e.g., Creative Learning System, Teachable Agent, Social Networking Tool). Please feel free to send your resume to his email if you are interested in the application. Ideally, you need to have experience in application design and development and statistical analysis. Candidates may have a background in computer science/human factors/human-computer interaction, and a passion for AI-powered learning technologies. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore funding opportunities such as PolyU postgraduate fellowships and RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme.

Education and Academic Qualifications

  • PhD, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University
  • Master, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Cornell University
  • Bachelor, College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University
  • Bachelor, College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University

Teaching Area

  • Interaction Design
  • UX Research Methods

Research Outputs

Zhu, W., Xing, W., Kim, E., Li, C., Wang, Y., Lee, J., & Liu, Z. (2025) Integrating Image-Generative AI into Conceptual Design in Computer-Aided Design Education: Exploring Student Perceptions, Prompt Behaviors, and Artifact Creativity. Educational Technology & Society 28.3 (2025): 166-183. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202507_28(3).SP11


Li, H., Xing, W., Li, C., Zhu, W., & Oh, H. (2025). Are simpler math stories better? Automatic readability assessment of GAI‐generated multimodal mathematical stories validated by engagement. British Journal of Educational Technology, 56(3), 1092-1117. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13554


Lyu, B., Li, C., Li, H., Oh, H., Song, Y., Zhu, W., & Xing, W. (2025). The role of teachable agents’ personality traits on student-AI interactions and math learning. Computers & Education, 234, 105314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105314


Zhu, W., Xing, W., Lyu, B., Li, C., Zhang, F., & Li, H. (2025, March). Bridging the gender gap: The role of AI-powered math story creation in learning outcomes. In Proceedings of the 15th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (pp. 918-923). https://doi.org/10.1145/3706468.3706539


Xing, W., Song, Y., Li, C., Liu, Z., Zhu, W., & Oh, H. (2025). Development of a generative AI‐powered teachable agent for middle school mathematics learning: A design‐based research study. British Journal of Educational Technology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13586


Zhu, W., Zhu, G., & Hua, Y. (2024). Enhancing undergraduates’ engagement in a learning community by including their voices in the technological and instructional design. Computers & Education, 214, 105026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105026


Li, C., Zhu, W., Xing, W., & Guo, R. (2024). Analyzing Student Attention and Acceptance of Conversational AI for Math Learning: Insights from a Randomized Controlled Trial. In Proceedings of 2024 Learning Analytics and Knowledge (LAK 2024). Kyoto, Japan. https://doi.org/10.1145/3636555.3636895


Zhu, W., & Hua, Y. (2023). Enhancing students’ learning experience using social networking applications: evidence from a random experiment. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2023.2255229


Zhu, W., Hua, Y., Zhu, G., & Wang, L. (2022). Share and embrace demographic and location diversity: Creating an Instagram‐based inclusive online learning community. British Journal of Educational Technology, 53(6), 1530-1548. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13272

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