INTRODUCTION

Welcome to My ePortfolio

Hello, and thank you for visiting! My name is Reva Lobatos, and I am an elementary teacher at a pre-K through 4th-grade school in Lander, Wyoming. With a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Wyoming, I am now pursuing a Doctorate in Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT).

I am passionate about the intersection of technology and education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. My experiences include teaching online for two years on the Wind River Reservation, a role that shaped my dedication to designing digital learning environments that are both engaging and accessible. In addition to teaching, I am also a published children’s book author, driven by a desire to explore how innovative tools can enhance student learning and well-being.

Currently, I am exploring two dissertation topics that aim to leverage digital tools to support students’ social and emotional learning (SEL):

1. Virtual Reality (VR) for Empathy and Perspective-Taking

   • Research Focus: This study investigates how VR environments can teach young students empathy by allowing them to experience different perspectives. By immersing students in scenarios where they "walk in someone else’s shoes"—such as viewing life through the eyes of a child with a disability or someone from another culture—this research will examine how VR impacts students’ empathy and social awareness.

2. SEL through Digital Mindfulness and Relaxation Tools

   • Research Focus: This study examines how mindfulness apps like Calm and Headspace for Kids can support SEL development by teaching self-regulation and stress management. I aim to implement regular mindfulness sessions using digital tools in an elementary classroom and track changes in students’ self-regulation, emotional control, and concentration.

I invite you to explore my ePortfolio to learn more about my professional journey, teaching philosophy, and ongoing research interests.