Dr LEE, Ju Seong

Ju Seong Lee (李主聖), Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

I believe our greatest gifts—time and talent—are meant to be shared. When we use them to uplift others, we discover deep joy and help build a brighter world. This belief was shaped through volunteering across 10+ regions like Cambodia, Mongolia, and Thailand since 2000, where I witnessed how lifelong, lifewide, and informal learning can transform young lives and communities.

Inspired by these experiences and the Korean word "아이들" (aideul, meaning "children"), I introduced the Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) concept in 2018. IDLE encourages learners to use digital spaces to learn English in natural, creative ways—much like children exploring the world around them. Research across 10+ regions shows that IDLE is linked to positive outcomes in over 20 areas, from enjoyment and growth mindset to speaking confidence.

Since 2020, we've partnered with Indonesian teachers to co-design and implement IDLE-based social impact projects, reaching 2,800+ students. These initiatives continue to grow through collaborations with universities, schools, NGOs, industry partners, and governments in Indonesia, Vietnam, and across the Global South. At its heart, this work is about nurturing both language and life skills, while inspiring learners to serve others—sowing seeds of hope and change that endure beyond our fleeting time on earth.