My First Paper: Na Li
Posted on: 19 September 2022 by Na Li in September 2022 Posts
This week we continue our 'My First Paper' Campaign, showcasing researchers and their research - with Na Li, an associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies at XJTLU.
Your name and your area of research.
My Chinese name is Na Li, and my English name is Lina. I’m a 3rd year PhD student at the University of Liverpool. My research areas include educational psychology, technology-enhanced learning, and institutional theory.
What was the title of your first paper and who was it submitted to?
The title of my first paper is “A country’s national culture affects virtual learning environment adoption in higher education: a systematic review (2001–2020)”. It has been published in the journal “Interactive Learning Environments”, you can find it here.
How would you explain what this paper was about to your grandparents?
This paper unpacked the secret of users’ resistance to using technology from a cultural perspective – resistance that existed long before the pandemic – and offer advice to counteract it. Specifically, this paper identified 290 key factors that influenced the VLEs’ adoption at universities in 42 countries and regions, after reviewing 145 studies published in high-quality journals between 2001 and 2020.
The media article that introduces my first paper can be found here.
What was the most significant thing for you about that paper?
The most significant thing for me about that paper was the feeling of self-actualization through research. It feels like looking through a window that connects to a mysterious and attractive world. And it is my PhD supervisors as well as the co-authors of this paper who have opened the window for me.
What advice would you give to others about submitting their first paper?
Consult your supervisors and other senior researchers about their experiences of publishing. Be a good listener and make notes carefully. Make a list of the potential journals for submission, and take the time to carefully check the journal scope and author instructions. Aim high first and adjust the plan according to the feedback. Finally, do not be afraid of failing. When failing comes, do not take it alone, talk to a friend or family, and failing is also a necessary part of future success.