University of North Texas 
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jenny Ji
As an assistant professor in the Department of Learning Technologies, Dr. Jenny Ji is helping shape the future of education by exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can enhance teaching and learning.
Dr. Ji brings a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective to her work. Before entering higher education, she worked as both an information technology systems engineer and an English language teacher. That combination of technical expertise and classroom experience allows her to bridge the gap between technology and pedagogy, helping future educators understand not only how to use new technologies, but why they matter.
Her research focuses on AI in education, immersive learning, computer-assisted language learning, and teacher education. Through courses such as Foundations of AI in Education, Digital Tools in Education, and Human-Computer Interaction, Dr. Ji prepares students to navigate an educational landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Rather than viewing AI as simply another classroom tool, Dr. Ji encourages students to think critically about its role in education and its potential to create more engaging, accessible, and equitable learning experiences.
"AI in education is not just about adopting new tools; it is about rethinking how we design meaningful, inclusive, and human-centered learning experiences. I am passionate about helping educators understand AI critically and use it in ways that support both teaching and learning," Dr. Ji said.
Research in Action
Dr. Ji’s collaborative research has recently been supported by four competitive UNT internal grants totaling $42,000, on which she serves as Co-PI. These grants support an interdisciplinary portfolio of projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and human-centered learning. Her funded research reflects a commitment to developing practical, evidence-based solutions that enhance teaching, learning, and learner experiences across diverse educational settings.
Her recent funded projects include:
Human-Guided AI for Curriculum Innovation: A Replicable Model for Program-Specific Learning Materials (UNT LEEF Learning Institute Pilot Project Award) — Exploring how AI can support the creation of program-specific learning materials through a human-guided, repeatable framework that documents best practices for curriculum development.
Transforming Clinical Training through AI-Driven Interventions for Novice Therapists (UNT CLASS Dean's Momentum Circle Award) — Investigating how artificial intelligence can enhance supervision and support for emerging therapists during clinical training.
Empowering Language Learners Through AI: Rethinking Language Assessment (UNT CLASS Dean's Momentum Circle Award) — Examining how AI can improve language assessment for diverse learners, including neurodivergent students, while promoting more inclusive and equitable evaluation methods.
Biometric Assessment of User Experience with Emerging AI Interfaces (UNT LEEF Learning Institute Pilot Project Award) — Studying how language learners interact with emerging AI technologies by using biometric tools to better understand user experience and inform future educational technology design.
These projects exemplify Dr. Ji's dedication to creating evidence-based, human-centered approaches that leverage emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes while ensuring AI is used thoughtfully, ethically, and inclusively.
Whether she is conducting research, mentoring students, or teaching future learning technology professionals, Dr. Ji is committed to ensuring that innovation in education remains grounded in human connection, thoughtful design, and meaningful learning.