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Beth Oyarzun, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor and Program Director of M.Ed. and Graduate Certificate Programs

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Biography

Dr. Beth Oyarzun is a distinguished scholar, clinical associate professor, and expert in learning, design, and technology. With a deep understanding of online teaching and learning, she has made significant contributions to advancing educational practices in the digital age. Dr. Oyarzun's expertise and passion for innovation and pedagogical excellence have solidified her reputation as a leading authority in the field. Dr. Oyarzun's educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence in teaching and instructional design. She completed her undergraduate studies in Mathematics Education, where she developed a strong foundation in pedagogy and instructional strategies. Recognizing the transformative potential of technology in education, she pursued a Master's degree in Instructional Technology, focusing on leveraging digital tools for effective teaching and learning. Driven to advance knowledge, she pursued a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology. Her doctoral research explored innovative approaches and strategies for fostering engagement, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences in online environments. Her dissertation research earned her the Alan Mandell Endowed Dissertation Award, bestowed by the faculty. As a clinical associate professor, Dr. Oyarzun dedicates her career to advancing the practice of online teaching and learning through modeling effective online teaching practices. Additionally, she directs the fully online M.Ed. and graduate certificates in Learning, Design, and Technology at UNC Charlotte.

Dr. Oyarzun has made significant contributions to the field through her research and expertise. Her work focuses on designing learner-centered online environments, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance student engagement, and promoting effective instructional strategies in digital contexts. She has published numerous articles and book chapters, sharing her insights and findings with educators, researchers, and practitioners worldwide. Dr. Oyarzun's impact extends beyond academia. She has been actively involved in providing professional development and training to educators, guiding them in adapting their teaching methodologies to the online realm. Her workshops and seminars have equipped educators with the skills and knowledge to create dynamic and impactful online learning experiences. Furthermore, Dr. Oyarzun has collaborated with educational institutions and organizations to design and implement innovative online programs and courses.

In addition to her academic endeavors, Dr. Oyarzun has assumed leadership roles within professional associations and organizations dedicated to online learning and instructional technology. She currently serves as president of the Distance Learning Division (DDL) of the Association of Educational Communications Technologies (AECT) and Treasurer/Director of the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), contributing to the development of best practices and standards in the field. Through her active involvement, she has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals, driving advancements in online teaching and learning. Dr. Oyarzun's dedication to professional engagement extends to conference presentations, where she shares her research and insights with peers and colleagues. Her dedication to excellence, combined with her commitment to empowering educators, has inspired professionals to reimagine their teaching practices and embrace the opportunities afforded by technology.

Teaching

ELDT 4100 - Computer Applications in Education. Computer systems and software for enhancing teaching, learning, and educational management; evaluating, selecting, and integrating courseware; focus on current PC operating system, word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, Internet, email, and multimedia software.

ELDT 5100 - Technology Integration in Education. Computer systems and software for enhancing teaching, learning, and educational management; examining issues related to the appropriate selection, integration, and evaluation of technology in educational contexts.

ELDT 6000 - Special Topics in LDT. Special topic: Visual Design of Instructional Products. Planning, developing, and evaluating instructional video products based on learning principles and research-based best practices. Doctoral students will be provided a differentiated assignment to research on video development.

ELDT 6100 - Foundations of Learning, Design and Technology. Contemporary issues and historical development of learning, design and technology. An overview of learning theory, design, instructional design models, technology innovations, and factors affecting the use of technology for learning.

ELDT 6130 - Instructional Multimedia Development. Planning, developing and evaluating instructional multimedia products based on learning principles and research-based best practices.

ELDT 6135 - Learning Media, Resources, and Technology. Selection, use, and evaluation of technological innovations in instructional media. Students learn to make professionally sound decisions in selecting appropriate processes and resources to provide optimal conditions for learning based on principles, theories, and effective practices.

ELDT 6140 - Instructional Video Production. Planning, developing, and evaluating instructional video products based on learning principles and research-based best practices.

ELDT 6150 - Design, Development, and Evaluation of Online Learning Systems - Fundamentals of creating effective online teaching and learning systems will be covered. Topics will include research-based best practices in the design, development, and evaluation of online instruction, technological applications available to support online teaching and learning, characteristics of virtual students, instructional methodologies for online teaching and learning, and future directions of online teaching and learning research. Differentiated assignments will be provided for doctoral students.

ELDT 6491 - Application of knowledge and skills in Learning, Design and Technology so as to create appropriate applications of processes and technologies to improve learning and performance.

ELDT 6492 - Capstone Project in Learning, Design and Technology - Continued application of knowledge and skills in Learning, Design and Technology and development of the capstone project to create appropriate applications of processes and technologies to improve learning and performance.

Leadership and Service

AI fellow for the Center for Teaching and Learning

2025

Treasurer and Director for the Board of Directors of the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI)

2022-

Subcommittee Chair for the Quality Matters rubric revision committee

2022-2023

Quality Matters Associate Faculty Fellow for the Center for Teaching and Learning

2020-2023

Quality Matters Master Reviewer, Peer Reviewer, Face-to-Face APPQMR Facilitator, and Coach

Member of the Association of Educational Communication and Technology (AECT)

2024 - 2025 - President for the Division of Distance Learning
2023-2024 - President-Elect for the Distance Learning Division
2020-2023 - Vice President of Communications for the Distance Learning Division
2018-2019 - Board Associate for the Design and Development Division
2018 -2021 - Judge of the Design and Development competition
2022 -2023 - Mentor for the Design and Development competition
2022 -2023 - Mentor for the Division of Distance Learning

Honors and Awards

2025 - UNC System Symposium on Learning and Technology: Innovative Technology and Learning Spaces - Best in Track Presentation Award.

2025 - AECT Division of Distance Learning Crystal Award

2025 - AI Fellow for the Center for Teaching and Learning

2022 - AECT Presidential Special Service Award

2019 - AECT Distance Learning Division - Crystal Award - 3rd place

2017 - Old Dominion University - Alan Mandell Endowed Award for Instructional Design and Technology

2016 - Online Learning Consortium - Effective Practice Award

2015 - University of North Carolina Wilmington - Staff Award of Excellence Nominee

2014 - AECT Design and Development Division - Pacificorp Design and Development Competition Finalist

Beth Oyarzun, Ph.D.

Biography

Teaching

Leadership and Service

Honors and Awards

Research