I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Oklahoma. My research centers on learners' social and affective interactions and information behaviors with innovative technology across various learning environments, including libraries, museums, makerspaces, and online settings. My recent projects are about: children's STEM learning and data literacy through embodied learning; learning of youth with disabilities in library makerspaces; and adult learners' wellness (e.g., older adults, teachers) and informal learning.
I earned PhD in learning, design, and technology from the Pennsylvania State University after receiving MA in educational technology and BA in education from Korea University.
Contact: yongju [at] ou [dot] edu
Department website: https://www.ou.edu/cas/slis/people/yong-ju-jung
Current Research Projects
Data Literacy Out of the Box in a Library
I explore how children interact with surrounding materials and their family members as they cultivate embodied data literacy in a library and its makerspace.
Making is for Everyone: Learning within Library Makerspaces for Youth with Disabilities
This IMLS-funded project (PI: Dr. June Abbas, Co-PI: Dr. Yong Ju Jung) explores the current prevalence, opportunities, and challenges of makerspaces and maker programs for youth with disabilities in public libraries.
Project website: https://makingforall.oucreate.com/
Happy Teacher Wellness Intervention
For the wellness of early childhood teachers and leaders, our interdisciplinary team (led by Dr. Kyong-Ah Kwon) develops an intervention for physical, psychological, and professional wellness using online self-directed learning modules, coaching, FitBit, and rest space and snacks.
Project website: https://www.ou.edu/education/happyteacherproject
Children's Search and Learning... and AI
Dr. Jiqun Liu and I explore the interconnection between children's interests, search, and their knowledge constructions during playful learning experiences. Also, we focus on children's use of digital resources and AI during making.
The Maker Movement for Older Adults
By collaborating with Dr. Ellen Rubenstein and Dr. Hyewon Park, this project investigates theoretical foundations to understand older adults' information behaviors, transitions, and lifelong learning in the maker movement.
University Expenditure and Academic Libraries
By collaborating with Dr. Junghee Choi, this project explores the relationships between university expenditure and academic libraries nationwide.
Previous Research Projects
Online Transition of Library Makerspaces
By collaborating with Dr. Soo Hyeon Kim and Dr. Gi Woong Choi, this project explored library makerspaces' transitions to online during the pandemic.
Children's Interest-Driven Learning in a Science Museum: Video Analysis and Mobile Eye-Tracking
I used video analysis and mobile eye-tracking (thanks to Drs. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, Heather Zimmerman, and Marcela Borge) to investigate children's interest-driven learning and interest development with family members in a science museum.
Mobile Augmented Learning in Outdoor Settings
During my doctoral program, I worked with Drs. Heather Zimmerman and Susan Land about mobile augmented science learning (e.g., about trees, caves) in outdoor educational settings.
Project website: https://sites.psu.edu/augmentedlearning/