On Monday, April 7, 2025, the CIS Seminar Series welcomed five faculty members from the Department of Learning Design & Technology (LTEC) in the College of Education. This special session aimed to introduce CIS Ph.D. students to potential committee members, particularly those who may serve as university representatives on dissertation committees.
Bios:
Dan Hoffman, Associate Professor, Dept. of Learning Design & Technology
As a former K-12 teacher, my research focuses on the design of interactive experiences and their impact on learning and engagement. This interdisciplinary work takes place at the intersection of education, cognitive science, and computer science.
Peter Leong, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Learning Design & Technology
My research interests include culturally-relevant computer science, student satisfaction with online learning, faculty support for technology integration, technologies for distance education, gamification & game-based learning and teaching & learning in virtual worlds.
Michael Menchaca, Professor, Dept. of Learning Design & Technology
Prof. Menchaca specialises in distance education, and has designed, implemented, and coordinated online and hybrid programs for over 20 years as well as provided training and expertise to organizations across the Pacific. He teaches and conducts research in the areas of online learning, technology integration, artificial intelligence, and research methods.
Truc Nguyen, Specialist Faculty, Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG), College of Education, and Affiliate Faculty, Dept. of Learning Design & Technology (Level 3)
I have strong research interests in exploring Internet safety and digital citizenship curriculum and issues for P–20 schoolchildren, their families, teachers, and the community. My research positionality is grounded in a commitment to broadening participation and increasing opportunities for girls and other underrepresented groups in technology fields, and methodologically I lean towards mixed methods studies framed with improvement science.
Seungoh Paek, Professor, Dept. of Learning Design & Technology
My research investigates how digital learning environments can be leveraged to enhance teaching and learning. Specifically, I explore how technology creates concrete learning experiences that support the understanding of abstract concepts, particularly in STEM education.