Redefining Classroom Experiences With Digital Tools

Amos Gutierrez, Assistant Director, Educational Technology and Creative & Academic Technology, Abilene Christian University

Amos Gutierrez is an accomplished educational technology professional with a diverse background that uniquely informs his approach to digital learning. He first pursued a career in K-12 education and later served as a minister after earning a master’s in Christian ministry. His passion for learning and self-taught skills in photography, videography, and graphic design led him to transition into educational technology. Beginning as a Creative and Educational Technology Specialist at Abilene Christian University, he mastered integrating technology in academic settings, eventually advancing to Assistant Director. Amos leverages his creative expertise to enhance faculty and student engagement through innovative digital tools.

I n an interview with Education Technology Insights, Amos Gutierrez shares his valuable insights into leveraging emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality (VR) to enhance learning experiences. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching ethical technology use and encourages experimentation to stay ahead in the fast-changing digital landscape.

What Are Some Of The Roles And Responsibilities You Handle On A Day-To-Day Basis?

One of my primary responsibilities during my first six years at Abilene Christian University was managing and serving as the go-to person for creative projects. We utilized Adobe tools to integrate creative projects into courses to enhance digital communication skills.

As part of the process, I collaborated closely with faculty to redesign traditional assignments into creative digital formats. Writing papers is familiar for many students, but not all excel in digital format. By introducing alternative methods of communication, I helped students broaden their abilities to express ideas effectively. For example, I guided them to transform a five-page paper into a 30-inch by 40-inch research poster, compelling them to identify and concisely communicate the most crucial information.

The shift from conventional projects to visual and creative outputs presents challenges for faculty and students. Faculty members often face difficulties adapting to new teaching methodologies, while students can find it challenging to step outside their comfort zones. Diligent adoption of technology stretches students’ abilities and cultivates valuable skills that will benefit them in future careers.

How Do You Perceive The Evolving Role Of Visual Education In Today’s Learning Landscape, Particularly With The Integration Of Creative Digital Media? From Your Interactions With Leaders At Other Institutions And With Students, What Challenges Do You Commonly Observe?

One of the significant challenges in implementing technology in education is overcoming resistance, especially when technology is introduced merely for the sake of innovation without a clear purpose. Faculty and administrators often hesitate to adopt new tools unless they can see the tangible value and impact on learning outcomes.

“The Key Is To Thoughtfully Integrate Technology In Ways That Enhance Educational Outcomes And Prepare Students For Real-World Challenges Beyond The Classroom”

It’s not about presenting the latest technology but demonstrating how it can enhance teaching methods and support student success in ways that traditional approaches cannot. When the focus shifts, adoption rates for digital tools and creative assignments increase noticeably.

Another challenge is the growing sentiment among some faculty members to minimize technology in the classroom, primarily due to concerns about distractions and academic integrity issues linked to emerging technologies like AI. It becomes essential to balance these concerns by demonstrating where technology adds genuine value.

There is undoubtedly a place for tech-free learning environments, but avoiding technology altogether doesn’t equip students for a world where digital literacy is essential. The key is to thoughtfully integrate technology to enhance educational outcomes and prepare students for real-world challenges beyond the classroom.

An example of this approach comes from a project I worked on with a nursing faculty member. Traditionally, her students completed annotated bibliographies as their final project, focusing solely on writing. However, she wanted to encourage creative thinking. She understood that while nurses need to follow strict procedures to ensure safety, nurses also need to think creatively when communicating with patients and families in diverse and sensitive situations.

To help students develop this creativity, they were asked to present their annotated bibliographies as digital research posters. We introduced them to Adobe Illustrator, which allowed them to turn their written work into visually appealing posters. This project taught them to distill complex information concisely while exploring creative ways to communicate their findings. Six years later, this assignment remains an integral part of her curriculum.

Looking Ahead To The Next 12 To 18 Months, Which Technologies Or Strategies Should Education Leaders Be Focusing On? Have There Been Any Particular Innovations Or Best Practices Recently Caught Your Attention?

One of the most transformative technologies currently shaping education is AI. Its versatility is remarkable, with applications ranging from text generation to image creation. However, the integration of AI also presents challenges concerning academic integrity and the potential for misuse. While it’s unrealistic to eliminate cheating, the focus should be on teaching students and faculty how to use AI as a supportive tool rather than as a shortcut. Students can enhance their skills and better prepare themselves for competitive job markets.

For instance, when two candidates with similar educational backgrounds apply for a job, the one who can demonstrate ethical and proficient use of AI will likely have an advantage. Many institutions already recognize the need to teach AI skills and are actively training their faculty and students to use this technology responsibly.

Another emerging technology gaining traction is VR. While not entirely new, VR is often associated with recreational use rather than educational purposes. We have successfully integrated VR into certain courses to create immersive, experiential learning environments. For example, in sociology and gerontology courses, students use VR to simulate the experiences of individuals with dementia. From a first-person perspective, they gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by those living with this condition, developing empathy.

A small study revealed that VR experiences contributed to slightly better long-term retention compared to passive video learning.

While the cost of VR technology has been a barrier to widespread adoption, prices are steadily decreasing, and more educational content is being developed. As accessibility improves, VR is likely to become an even more valuable tool in education.

What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Professionals And Leaders On Navigating Challenges While Staying Ahead With Emerging Technologies And Strategies?

My piece of advice would be to embrace experimentation with new technologies whenever possible, as this is how we truly learn what works and what doesn’t. By experimenting, professionals can discover innovative ways to achieve desired outcomes while staying current with the rapid pace of technological advancements.

Open communication and collaboration also hold immense value within the professional community. Technologies often have diverse applications, and by sharing experiences and insights with peers, professionals can learn about new methods and tools, accelerating their adoption process. This knowledge exchange helps build a network of information that drives collective growth.

Educational Technology

Adobe

Virtual Reality