Jeff Ginger

Jeff Ginger is an Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he teaches courses on digital literacy, user experience design, and makerspace education. He also serves as Program Coordinator for the Illinois Informatics Institute and was previously the Director of the Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab until 2020.

• University: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• PhD: Library and Information Science (Illinois)
• Teaching: 13 undergraduate/graduate courses and 10 STEAM summer camps over the past decade

Research Interests center on community informatics, digital literacy, and game-based STEM learning, particularly through the WHIMC project. This NSF-funded initiative uses Minecraft to explore “what-if” planetary scenarios, fostering scientific curiosity and assessment through AI-driven tools.

Teaching Philosophy emphasizes iterative learning, choice, and relevance. His methods incorporate reverse engineering, remixing digital tools, and Universal Design for Learning principles. Students engage in hands-on projects with real-world applications, peer feedback, and reflective assessments rather than traditional exams.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 7-time recipient of University of Illinois' List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent
  • Dissertation listed in American Libraries Magazine's Ten Notable Dissertations of 2015

Public Engagement includes directing the Fab Lab, professional development workshops in the Philippines, and collaborations with planetariums and museums. He has authored over 20 publications on digital literacy, AI in education, and makerspace pedagogy.