2026 Ph.D., Educational Technology and Assessment, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Thesis: Assessment of collaborative problem solving through 3D multiplayer online role-playing mobile games
Supervisors: Prof. Nancy Law & Prof. Xiao Hu
Yiming Liu
INTRODUCTION
I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Faculty of Education at The University of Hong Kong, expecting to graduate in November 2026. My current research focuses on three areas:
- assessing human-human and human-AI collaborative problem solving through digital technologies;
- investigating self-regulated learning processes in AI-enhanced learning environments; and
- developing and validating questionnaires and scales using large language models.
Google Scholar metrics
- 201 Citations
- 7 h-index
- 7 i10-index
Education
2019 M.S., Educational Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
Thesis: Mediation analyses of the relationships among online self-regulated learning, engagement, and cognitive load: The case of an online learning environment integrated with online self-regulated learning strategies and instant feedback
Supervisor: Prof. Jerry Chih-Yuan Sun
Thesis Examiners: Prof. Jiun-Yu Wu & Prof. Chun-Min Wang
2016 B.A., Chinese Linguistics and Literature, Jinan University, Guangdong
2016 B.A., Finance, Jinan University, Guangdong
Research Interests
- Learning analytics
- Computational psychometrics
- Game-based assessment/learning
- Self-regulated learning
- Collaborative problem solving
- AI in education
Research Output (Selected)
* Denotes corresponding author.
[1] Liu, Y.*, Hu, X., Ng, J. T. D., Ma, Z., & Lai, X. (2025). Ready or not? Investigating in-service teachers' integration of learning analytics dashboard for assessing students' collaborative problem solving in K–12 classrooms. Education and Information Technologies. [SSCI, JCR Q1, IF = 7.2]
[2] Liu, Y., Huang, L., & Doleck, T. (2024). How teachers' self-regulation, emotions, perceptions, and experiences predict their capacities for learning analytics dashboard: A Bayesian approach. Education and Information Technologies. [SSCI, JCR Q1, IF = 7.2]
[3] Liu, Y., Ng, J. T. D., Hu, X., Ma, Z., & Lai, X. (2024). Adopt or abandon: Facilitators and barriers of in-service teachers' integration of game learning analytics in K–12 classrooms? Computers & Education. [SSCI/SCIE, JCR Q1, IF = 13.2]
[4] Liu, Y., Sun, J. C. Y., & Chen, S. K. (2023). Comparing technology acceptance of AR-based and 3D map-based mobile library applications: A multigroup SEM analysis. Interactive Learning Environments. [SSCI, JCR Q1, IF = 6.7]
[5] Sun, J. C. Y., Liu, Y.*, Lin, X., & Hu, X. (2023). Temporal learning analytics to explore traces of self-regulated learning behaviors and their associations with learning performance, cognitive load, and student engagement in an asynchronous online course. Frontiers in Psychology. [SSCI, JCR Q1, IF = 3.8]
[6] Sun, J. C. Y., & Liu, Y.* (2021). The mediation effect of online self-regulated learning between engagement and cognitive load: A case of an online course with smart instant feedback. International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design. [ESCI, JCR Q3, IF = 1.2]
[1] Liu, Y., Hu, X., & Ma, Z. (In press). Psychometric network analysis of K-12 teachers' integration of learning analytics dashboard for collaborative problem solving assessment [Paper presentation]. The 26th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2026), Hung Yen, Vietnam.
[2] Liu, Y., Ma, Z., Ng, J. T. D., & Hu, X. (2025, March). Multimodal learning analytics for game-based assessment of collaborative problem solving skills among young students [Paper presentation]. The 15th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK '25), Dublin, Ireland. [Acceptance rate ≈ 30%, University Research Committee Grant]
[3] Liu, Y., Ng, J. T. D., Hu, X., & Ma, Z. (2024, July). Towards multimodal learning analytics of game-based collaborative problem solving among primary school students [Paper presentation]. The 24th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2024), Nicosia, North Cyprus. [IEEE TCLT Student Award]
[4] Ng, J. T. D., Liu, Y., Chui, D. S., Man, J. C., & Hu, X. (2023, March). Leveraging LMS logs to analyze self-regulated learning behaviors in a maker-based course [Paper presentation]. The 13th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK '23), Arlington, USA. [Acceptance rate ≈ 30%]
[5] Liu, Y., Sun, J. C. Y. (2021, July). The mediation effects of task strategies on the relationship between engagement and cognitive load in a smart instant feedback system [Paper presentation]. The 21st IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2021), Online. [Finalist for Best Short Paper, IEEE TCLT Student Award]
[6] Tsang, H. W. C., Liu, Y., & Law, N. W. Y. (2020, June). An in-depth study of assessment of collaborative problem solving (CPS) skills of students in both technological and authentic learning settings [Paper presentation]. The 14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS 2020), Nashville, USA. [Acceptance rate ≈ 30%]
[1] Liu, Y. (2022, May). Temporal learning analytics to explore traces of self-regulated learning behaviors and their impacts on learning performance and extraneous cognitive load in an asynchronous online course [Oral presentation]. The 2022 Research Postgraduate Conference (RPC 2022), Hong Kong SAR, China.
[2] Liu, Y., Sun, J. C. Y., & Chen, S. K. (2021, April). Students' acceptance of mobile library guides: Comparison between augmented reality and 3-D map–using multiple-group structural equation modeling [Poster presentation]. The 2021 American Educational Research Association Virtual Annual Meeting (AERA 2021), Online.
[3] Liu, Y., Sun, J. C. Y., Chen, K. Z., & Chen, S. K. (2019, May). Comparisons of AR and 3D map mobile library guides based on the general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning [Poster presentation]. The 2019 Centre for Information Technology in Education Research Symposium (CITERS 2019), Hong Kong SAR, China.
[4] Liu, Y., & Sun, J. C. Y. (2018, May). Effect of smart instant feedback on online learners' germane cognitive load and extraneous cognitive load: An investigation using a multiple mediation model [Oral presentation]. The 22nd Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education (GCCCE 2018), Guangzhou, China. [International Academic Conference Grant]
Research Experience (Selected)
Worked on the project titled Learning and Assessment for Digital Citizenship (PI: Prof. Nancy Law) at the Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong.
- Co-developed Digital City Fighter ↗, a 3D multiplayer online role-playing mobile game for assessing primary students’ collaborative problem solving.
- Co-developed CPSLens, a learning analytics dashboard for visualizing and evaluating students' collaborative problem solving performance.
- Analyzed multimodal process data using network psychometrics, latent variable modeling, and data visualization.
- Drafted research proposals and manuscripts for publication.
Worked on the project titled The Application of Big Data in Education: From Smart Online Learning to the Flipped Classroom Integrated with Interactive Feedback Technologies (PI: Prof. Jerry Chih-Yuan Sun) at the Institute of Education, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.
- Assisted in proposal writing for grant applications and in experimental design and implementation.
- Analyzed multimodal data using latent variable modeling and temporal learning analytics.
- Drafted manuscripts for publication and wrote project reports.
Worked on the project titled Research of Glocally Meaningful and Relevant MOOCs Redevelopment Model: Cross-Cultural Design, Learning Analytics, and Curriculum Evaluation (PI: Prof. Ken-Zen Chen) at the Institute of Education, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.
- Co-redesigned and localized Learning How to Learn, a Coursera MOOC.
- Developed and validated test items to measure student learning outcomes.
- Facilitated World Café focus groups to gather qualitative student feedback.
Teaching Experience
Guest Lecturer | College of Information Science
The University of Arizona | Spring 2026
Lecture: “From Theory to Application: Unlocking 21st-Century Skills with Computational Psychometrics”
Course: INFO505: Foundations of Information
Guest Lecturer | Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Education University of Hong Kong | Fall 2025
Lecture: “From Theory to Application: Unlocking 21st-Century Skills with Computational Psychometrics”
Course: EDT6001: Digital Leadership and Technologies to Transform Instruction, Learning and Evaluation
Guest Lecturer | Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Education University of Hong Kong | Fall 2023
Lecture: “Game-based Assessment of Collaborative Problem Solving among Young Students”
Course: TLS6088: Effective Teaching and Learning Using Mobile Technologies
Teaching Assistant | Faculty of Education
The University of Hong Kong | Spring 2022
Assisted with the supervision of undergraduates' final-year projects on research design, data cleaning and coding, statistical analysis, and thesis writing.
Teaching Assistant | Institute of Education
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | 2017 – 2019
Led tutorials, assisted in lecture preparation, provided feedback to students, and marked assignments.
Work Experience
Research Assistant | Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Education University of Hong Kong | Fall 2026
Worked on the project titled Design-Based Research to Develop AI-Powered Pedagogical Agents to Support Students' Socially Shared Regulated Learning in Collaborative Learning (PI: Prof. Lingyun Huang).
- Assisted with reviewing General Research Fund (GRF) project proposals.
- Tested an AI-powered learning system and conducted quasi-experiments.
- Analyzed data and drafted manuscripts for journal publication.
Professional Service
Ad Hoc Journal Reviewer
- Computers & Education
- British Journal of Educational Technology
- International Journal of STEM Education
- IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies
- Education and Information Technologies
- International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
- Australasian Journal of Educational Technology
- International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
- Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology
- Asia-Pacific Education Researcher
- Thinking Skills and Creativity
- BMC Medical Education
- Instructional Science
- Information Development
- Knowledge Management & E-Learning-An International Journal
- Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
- PLOS ONE
Conference Reviewer
- The 25th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2025)
- The 14th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK '24)
- The 24th ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL '24)
Session Chair
The 24th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2024)
Program Committee Member
- The 30th Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education (GCCCE 2026)
- The 29th Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education (GCCCE 2025)
- The 25th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2025)
- The 14th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK '24)
- The 24th ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL '24)
Community Membership
- The National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME)
- The Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR)
- The Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education (APSCE)
- The IEEE Computer Society
Conference & Workshop Volunteer
- The 24th ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL '24)
- The University of Hong Kong-East China Normal University Joint Workshop (HKU-ECNU 2023)
Honors & Awards
2025, University Research Committee Conference Grant, The University of Hong Kong
2024, IEEE TCLT Student Award, IEEE Technical Committee on Learning Technology
2023, University Research Committee International Academic Training Grant, The University of Hong Kong
2021, Finalist for Best Short Paper, IEEE Technical Committee on Learning Technology
2021, IEEE TCLT Student Award, IEEE Technical Committee on Learning Technology
2021, Erik Duval Travel Scholarship, The Society for Learning Analytics Research
2019 – 2023, Postgraduate Scholarship, The University of Hong Kong
2018, International Academic Conference Grant, Ministry of Science and Technology
2017 – 2018, Outstanding Student Scholarship, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
2016 – 2017, Excellent Student Scholarship, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Quantitative Analysis Expertise
- Latent variable modeling
- Multilevel modeling
- Network analysis
- Temporal analysis
- Bayesian modeling
- Machine learning
- Data visualization
Software & Tools
- R
- Mplus
- SmartPLS
- SPSS
- Netica
- Python
- Figma
Contact
Email: