Conference Guest Speakers
Conference Guest Speakers
Barbara Bichelmeyer, Ph.D., serves as the Provost/University Chief Academic Officer for the University of Kansas (KU) and as the Executive Vice Chancellor for the main campus in Lawrence and its multiple reporting locations. Previously, Bichelmeyer served Indiana University as a faculty member in the Department of Instructional Systems Technology, and in various administrative roles, including as Founding Director of IU Online and as Associate Vice President for Academic Planning and Regional Affairs.
Michael Molenda is an Emeritus Associate Professor in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University, where he worked from 1972-2005. He is co-author of the first five editions of Instructional Media and the New Technologies of Instruction and co-editor of AECT’s 2008 definition book, Educational Technology: A Definition with Commentary. He has contributed encyclopedia articles on Behaviorism, Reinforcement, Practice, Discovery Learning, Transfer, Individualized Instruction, Self-Directed Learning, Open Education, and Visual & Pictorial Learning for AECT’s 2013 Encyclopedia of Terminology for Educational Communications and Technology.
Sarah Smith-Robbins, PhD has been the Director of Learning Technologies at the Kelley School of Business for over a dozen years. Sarah earned her PhD in Rhetoric from Ball State University. Her research focuses on the intentional application of technologies such as AI and interactive media in higher education and continuing education. She manages the Jellison Studios and leads a team of instructional technologists and media developers to support twenty programs and 450 faculty at Kelley.
Curtis J. Bonk is Professor in the School of Education at Indiana University (IU) teaching psychology and technology courses and Adjunct in the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. He is a former software entrepreneur, certified public accountant, corporate controller, and educational psychologist who presently is an educational technologist, award-winning writer, highly published researcher, statewide and national awardee in innovative teaching with technology, and internationally acclaimed presenter. His scholarly interests are self-directed online learning, the use of generative AI for language learning, open education, massive open online courses (MOOCs), e-learning, blended learning, distance education, informal learning, online motivation and collaboration, emerging learning technologies, and AI augmented writing and learning.
Dr. Amy Pickard is a qualitative researcher whose interests center on policy, equity and adult literacy /adult basic education (ABE). A former adult literacy and ABE teacher, she is particularly interested in systems-level understandings of ABE, reading and writing instruction in ABE spaces, self-directed learning of ABE students, and digital engagement of ABE teachers and adult learners.
Dr. Danish is a professor of the Learning Sciences program. The overarching theme in his research is an examination of how people learn through activity. Learning through activity involves interacting with other people, physical objects, and ideas. Dr. Danish’s research examines how individuals coordinate their actions and ideas within these complex settings, and how this can lead to learning.
Dr. Kwon’s research interests focus on computational thinking (CT) and AI education, aiming to design instructional methods that are both effective and engaging. His innovative approach incorporates metacognitive learning strategies and embodied cognition to enhance problem-solving abilities.
Dr. Drumm is a Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning, Design, & Adult Education at IU Bloomington. Susan spent much of her career in K-12 education, transitioning to higher education after earning her doctorate in IST in 2018. She also has master's degrees in Reading Education and Library Science.
Dr. Yin-Chen (Janet) Liao
Yin-Chan (Janet) Liao is an Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies in the Department of Learning Sciences and the Associate Director of the Snap Inc. Center for Computer and Teacher Education at Georgia State University. She graduated from IU IST in 2018. Her research focuses on expanding teacher capacity for equitable K-12 computing education. She explores teacher development approaches to supporting teachers and teacher educators in integrating computing and AI into teaching practices.
Dr. Olgun Sadik
Olugn Sadik is a former CS teacher. He has a masters and Ph.D. degrees in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University.
Currently, he works as a lecturer in the Intelligent Systems Engineering Department at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at IU.
His research interests include computer science education and technology-enhanced learning environments (e.g., AI in education and makerspaces). My current research focuses on student AI collaboration in computing and engineering education.
Dr. Akesha Horton
Dr. Akesha Horton is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University’s Luddy School, with expertise in inclusive teaching and equitable learning spaces. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University, along with multiple degrees from Indiana University in instructional technology, library science, and mathematics. A Fulbright-mtvU Scholar, she has worked globally in education, technology, and curriculum development, focusing on the intersections of learning, technology, and culture for youth and young adults.
Dr. Jennifer Park
Jennifer Park, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology and Workforce Development at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology with a minor in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management at Indiana University. Her research focuses on innovations in the workplace, artificial intelligence, online training and development, mentoring and instructional design.
Pei-Shan Hsieh (M.S.Ed)
I earned my M.S. in 2023 and currently serve as an Instructional Designer and Multimedia Production Specialist at the School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington. I have cultivated a comprehensive skill set in online learning design, accessibility and inclusive design, multimedia production, and the application of innovative learning technologies. Beyond my professional work, I am a passionate cyclist and enjoy designing cycling instruction specifically for female cyclists. My goal is to leverage my expertise to enhance learners’ experiences and create meaningful, impactful learning outcomes.
Carrie Hansel (Ed.D)
Carrie A. Hansel, Ed.D., is the Manager of Learning Design, Research, Analytics, and Accessibility at Indiana University's eLearning Design and Services and Principal Unizin IT Consultant with IU’s Digital Education Programs and Initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in education, she now leads initiatives in research and learning analytics, leveraging Unizin's tools to enhance data-driven decision-making and accessible instructional design. Carrie is dedicated to creating engaging, accessible, and data-informed online learning environments.
Patricia Wang (Ed.D)
Patricia Wang is the Associate Director of Commercial Learning Services at Eli Lilly and Company, specializing in consultation and project management. She is responsible for providing innovative learning solutions to ensure Lilly’s marketers are well-trained and up-to-date with industry trends.
Dr. Marlon Mitchelll
Dr. Marlon Mitchell currently serves as the Superintendent of the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy and the president of GreenMile EV. He formerly served as School City of East Chicago in Indiana and former Campus President of Ivy Tech Community College. He attended Indiana University earning an undergraduate degree in Business and a doctorate in Instructional Systems Technology. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience leading diverse workforces. Dr. Mitchell has held faculty and executive leadership posts in the US and abroad. Equipped with an extensive background in Information Systems Integration, Business Management, Strategic Planning, Human Resources and Talent Development he is uniquely qualified to transform organizations.