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Kelly Torres, Ph.D., earned her doctorate degree in Educational Psychology. She also earned two master's degrees in the areas of Educational Psychology and Curriculum and Instruction. She also possesses Florida K-12 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teaching certificates. Dr. Torres has nine years of mentor experience working with elementary-aged learners. She also has taught numerous university-level courses in both online and face-to-face settings in content areas such as educational psychology, foundations of education, assessment, curriculum development, linguistics, and culture. Dr. Torres's research interests are focused on the implementation of technology into educational settings in order to enhance student academic outcomes and on various aspects of the motivational influences that may impact second language learning and culture. She has also worked as a consultant for state and national curriculum accreditation committees and has helped to develop a national K-12 ESOL language proficiency high-stakes assessment. 

Kelly Torres

Reimagining learner engagement in the digital age.

Is Edtech the Key to Better Learner Support?

The days of one-size-fits-all or the one-to-many view are quickly becoming history. Education is being reimagined through the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) by making personalized learning a reality. Instead of learners moving at the same pace through identical materials, AI technologies provide educators and instructional designers with innovative ways to meet diverse learner needs. Specifically, AI enables the creation of custom pathways that encompass diverse learning preferences. AI can determine when a learner begins to disengage, either through intellectual struggle or boredom, and offer the right tool to keep them going. AI can make learning environments more student-centered, active, and immersive. It can also identify knowledge gaps before they become major obstacles and provide resources tailored to a student’s interests and learning preference. From the learner’s perspective, AI fosters motivation and mastery by providing customized learning pathways suited to individual strengths and challenges. Instant feedback features from AI tutors and chatbots further increase learner support by including personalized learning insights that allow a stronger sense of understanding of course content, helping them stay motivated because they are neither bored by material that is too easy or overwhelmed because it is too difficult. Breaking Down BarriersPerhaps most importantly, AI offers innovative features for accessibility by providing new tools. Learners with visual impairments can have text automatically read aloud. Language learners can get instant translations. Students with learning differences can receive content in formats that work best for them. The pathways for learners to get content the way they need is almost limitless. AI-driven progress tracking empowers learners to become self-aware. AI fosters a culture of continuous improvement that helps them understand their strengths and areas for growth, encouraging lifelong learning habits. AI also supports differentiated instruction by recommending tailored resources and activities based on a student’s individual learning pattern. Ultimately, AI innovations are reshaping education to become more dynamic, engaging, and learner-centered Navigating the ChallengesAs AI becomes more embedded within our practices, the ethical considerations of its use highlights concerns. Current AI ethical issues often include data privacy, algorithmic bias, identification of intellectual property, and transparency of AI use. For example, AI systems often rely on large datasets to function effectively and accurately. But who has access to this information? How long is it stored? What are the consequences if the information becomes available to outside sources? There is also the risk of algorithmic bias. Algorithms can unintentionally reinforce existing biases if not designed with equity in mind, potentially disadvantaging certain learner populations. Then there is the human element of teaching and learning as well. When using AI tools, we should consider how to implement inclusive design practices and regularly audit AI tools for fairness and accuracy. Educators must also be transparent with learners about when and how AI is being used in their learning experiences. Another ethical dimension is the risk of over-reliance of AI. While AI can streamline tasks and personalize learning, these tools should not replace a caring, empathic, and creative teacher. Essentially, responsible integration of AI requires that all stakeholders engage in an open and meaningful dialogue to develop guidelines and practices that promote equity, trust, and accountability. A Balanced FutureThe future of AI in education isn’t about choosing between teachers and AI. Rather, it’s about finding the perfect blend of the two. Educators are working to ensure that AI-driven innovations are developed responsibly and inclusively through engagement in conversations and policy decisions that prioritize equity, transparency, data privacy, and the diverse needs of all learners. This balanced approach allows for the further unlocking of AI’s full potential as a catalyst for transformative learning.Through the thoughtful integration of AI, educational spaces can become more adaptive, engaging, accessible, and efficient. It is crucial to balance the capabilities of AI with vital human qualities that educators bring into their classrooms. Basically, AI should serve as a powerful tool that amplifies human teaching rather than replace it. Ultimately, reimagining education through AI offers exciting opportunities to meet the diverse needs of contemporary learners and prepare them for the innovative workplaces of the future.

How AI is Transforming Education

Why Critical Thinking MattersFaculty and instructional designers should consider the significance of cultivating student critical thinking skills in the development of program and course curricula. Critical thinking is an important skill for students to demonstrate to achieve success in higher education and professional work settings. Within the context of professional work, employers increasingly value employees with strong critical thinking skills. Individuals who can assess situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively are assets to any organization. As such, the integration of critical thinking in higher education prepares students for the challenges they will face in their career settings.Learners who possess critical thinking skills frequently demonstrate the ability to make well-informed decisions. Through effective decision making, students possessing critical thinking skills consider multiple perspectives, analyze a variety of data sources, and then evaluate the implications of the available choices. Decision making using critical thinking can affect a student’s writing, research, and even time management skills. Stronger critical thinkers can problem-solve in both educational and personal settings, which leads to improved academic performance as they can address situations that may arise outside the classroom and still manage their school responsibilities. Students who demonstrate critical thinking skills often perform academically at the highest level and engage more meaningfully with course discussions; excel in assignments that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; and defend their viewpoints with appropriate research and rationales. In contrast, students lacking these skills struggle to grasp concepts taught in the classroom, apply psychological or theoretical concepts into practice, and evaluate or create work based on their knowledge. Students lacking in critical thinking skills often demonstrate lower confidence and autonomy and struggle to communicate clearly. These students may find it difficult to collaborate with their peers and engage in classroom or professional settings. Poor decision making and limited problem-solving abilities often lead to reduced academic success, lengthening time-to-completion rates and increasing attrition. Therefore, faculty should prioritize the fostering of critical skills to aid students in their ability to deal with practice problems in the workplace.The Role of Higher Education in Developing Critical ThinkingIn higher education, where the goal is not merely to transfer knowledge but to cultivate analytical abilities, critical thinking stands out as a vital component. Faculty members play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual development of students, and by embedding critical thinking into course design, they empower students to navigate complex issues and engage with course material at a deeper level. Students equipped with robust critical thinking skills are better positioned to grasp complex concepts presented in the classroom and, more importantly, to apply these theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios. Conversely, students lacking critical thinking skills may struggle not only to comprehend the material presented but also to bridge the gap between theory and practice. For instance, in disciplines like psychology, where the application of theoretical concepts is fundamental, critical thinking becomes indispensable.Instructors should create a learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas, posing questions, and providing support to their fellow peers. Further, students should be encouraged to offer critical feedback and accept and address constructive and developmental suggestions. Initial coursework should begin at lower levels of Bloom’s taxonomy of learning, as appropriate by the learning level itself, and then progress through the higher levels of cognitive development to challenge students to move toward analytical and creative levels. Providing an encouraging and supportive learning culture allows students to ask exploratory questions, process information in a way that works best for them, and take intellectual risks in a safe environment. The Future: Critical Thinking and AIWhen looking to the future of critical thinking skills, artificial intelligence (AI) must be considered. The integration of AI into society poses significant benefits and challenges to teaching and learning critical thinking skills. As higher education seeks to remain relevant, effective, and essential, faculty should thoughtfully consider how to utilize AI tools to foster and enhance critical thinking skills with their learners.

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