Johnny Cho, Ph.D.

Education

Ph.D., Information Science, University of Washington, 2026
M.S.Ed., Learning Sciences and Technologies, University of Pennsylvania, 2019
M.A., Media Studies, Syracuse University, 2017
B.S., Media and Communication Technology, Michigan State University, 2011

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers on learning by doing, connecting knowledge with practice, and creating meaningful real-world impact. I believe students learn most effectively when they have opportunities to explore ideas, apply what they learn to authentic problems, and create solutions that can be used beyond the classroom. My courses emphasize practical experiences connected to schools, libraries, and communities, while encouraging students to experiment with emerging technologies and critically consider their educational and social implications. My goal is to prepare future library professionals to become thoughtful educators, media specialists, and technology leaders who can apply their knowledge in ways that make a positive difference in their professional communities.

Research

My research explores how emerging technologies are changing libraries, education, and society, with particular attention to how people understand, use, and respond to new forms of information and technology. My research interests include media and information literacy, misinformation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in libraries, human-centered technology design, youth learning, and game-based learning. I am especially interested in examining both the opportunities and challenges created by new technologies and in understanding how libraries can adapt to changing information environments. My work seeks to design and evaluate technologies, learning experiences, and practical approaches that help libraries and educators respond thoughtfully to technological and social change.

Outreach

My outreach focuses on connecting research with practice through collaboration with librarians, educators, students, and community organizations. I am interested in developing practical learning resources, professional development opportunities, and technology-supported activities that can be used in library and educational settings. My outreach particularly emphasizes information literacy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. I also seek to build communities where current and future library professionals can exchange ideas, share resources, and learn from one another.

Biography

Johnny Cho, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Library Media in the Department of Counseling and Instructional Sciences at the University of South Alabama. He earned his Ph.D. in Information Science from the University of Washington Information School, where his doctoral research examined misinformation among teenagers and the role of social and emotional learning in media and information literacy.

Dr. Cho earned an M.S.Ed. in Learning Sciences and Technologies from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Media Studies from Syracuse University, where his earlier work explored emerging media and immersive technologies, including virtual reality research and the development of VR-based educational experiences for children. He received his B.S. in Media and Communication Technology from Michigan State University. His interdisciplinary background in information science, education, media, and technology informs his current teaching and research on emerging technologies and their implications for libraries, learning, and society.

Courses

EDM 540 – Curriculum Media for Children and Youth
EDM 580 – Information Literacy