SPEAKING & CONSULTING
**Consulting opportunities may be considered on a limited basis when aligned with my areas of expertise and subject to Georgia Tech and Georgia Tech Research Institute policies and approval requirements.
INVITED ADDRESSES/WORKSHOPS
Azukas, M.E., & Powell, A. (2026). Leading in a digital world: Applying the new NSQ Digital Learning Leadership Standards. [Invited Workshop}. DLAC Ignite, Sacramento, CA.
Azukas. M.E., & Powell, A. (2026). Introducing the National Standards for Quality Digital Learning Leadership: Guiding the future of K—12 digital education. [Invited Talk] DLAC Ignite, Sacramento, CA.
Azukas, M.E. (2026). It wasn’t me; it was ChatGPT! Designing learning environments for student AI use. [Invited Workshop]. DLAC Ignite, Sacramento, CA.
Azukas, M.E., & Spero, K. (2026). AI in the classroom. Invited Talk. Schoolsims.
Barbour, M. K., Borup, J., Azukas, M. E., Cuccolo, K., Sapp, T., DeBruler, K., Rice, M., Beck, D., Hodges, C., Rose, R., Short, C., Siko, J., Adelstein, D., Archambault, L., Deschaine, M., Elmendorf, D., Garrett Dikkers, A., Graham, C., Hanlya, S., Morgado, L., Pratt, K., Viano, S., Wilson, E. V., & Woo, L. (2026, February). Announcing the bridging the gap between research and practice: A DLAC research agenda [Invited Contributed Talk]. DLAC Ignite, Sacramento, CA. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/dlac-ignite-2026-announcing-the-bridging-the-gap-between-research-and-practice-a-dlac-research-agenda/286116280
Barbour, M. K., Borup, J., Azukas, M. E., Sapp, T., DeBruler, K., Rice, M., Beck, D., Hodges, C., Rose, R., Short, C., Siko, J., Adelstein, D., Archambault, L., Cuccolo, K., Deschaine, M., Elmendorf, D., Garrett Dikkers, A., Graham, C., Hanlya, S., Morgado, L., Pratt, K., Viano, S., Wilson, E. V., & Woo, L. (2026, February). Exploring the bridging the gap between research and practice: A DLAC research agenda [Invited Workshop]. DLAC Ignite, Sacramento, CA.
Barbour, M., Rica, M., Rose, R., DeBruler, K., Azukas, M.E., Borup, J., Siko, J., Short, C. Hodges, C., Beck, D. (2025). Have your say on DLAC: The community advancing digital learning research agenda. Digital Learning Collaborative 2025 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Barbour, M. K., Borup, J., DeBruler, K., Rice, M., Azukas, M. E., Beck, D., Hodges, C., Rose, R., Short, C. & Siko, J. (2025, February). DLAC - The community advancing digital learning research agenda [Invited Table Talk]. Digital Learning Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Barbour, M. K., Borup, J., DeBruler, K., Azukas, M. E., Beck, D., Hodges, C., Rice, M., Rose, R., Short, C., Siko, J., Adelstein, D., Archambault, L., Cuccolo, K., Deschaine, M., Elmendorf, D., Garrett Dikkers, A., Pratt, K., Wilson, E. V., & Woo, L. (2025, September). DLAC – The community advancing digital learning research agenda [Invited]. Digital Learningpalooza 2025, online.
Azukas, M.E. (2023). The Use of Simulations in Pre-Service Teacher Development: Learning Loss: a Case Study. Guest Lecture: University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Azukas, M.E. (2020). Cultivating Communities of Practice to Promote Teacher Self-Efficacy in Personalized Learning Implementation. Invited Talk: University of North Florida.
Azukas, M.E. (2020). Conducting Virtual Observations. Invited Workshop New York City Department of Education.
Azukas, M.E. (2019). Designing for student engagement. Invited Workshop: Vidyagyan I, Bulandshahr, India. (Shiv Nadar Foundation).
Azukas, M.E. (2019). Design thinking to promote student engagement and critical thinking. Invited Workshop: Vidyagyan II, Sitapur, India. (Shiv Nadar Foundation).
Azukas, M.E. (2019). Using the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for design. Invited Workshop: Shiv Nadar School, Noida, India.
Azukas, M.E. (2019). Strategies for Student Engagement. Invited Workshop: Shiv Nadar School, Noida, India.
Azukas, M.E. (2018). Developing social studies curriculum to support personal learning. Invited Talk: Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Azukas, M.E. (2015). Depth of knowledge and the Common Core. Keynote Address: Federal Administrators Conference, Monmouth, NJ.
Azukas, M.E. (2012). Developing competency-based, Common Core aligned online curriculum. Invited Workshop: Virtual School Symposium, New Orleans, LA.
PEER-REVIEWED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Azukas, M.E., & Gibson, D. (2026). Modeling teacher development: Representing metacognitive and developmental trajectories in professional learning. Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference. Philadelphia, PA.
Azukas, M.E., & Gibson, D. (2026). From co-intelligence to co-metacognition: Designing double-loop assessment in an AI coaching system for teacher learning. Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference. Philadelphia, PA.
Barbour, M. Azukas, M.E., Rice, M., Sapp, T. (accepted-2026). Bridging the gap between research and practice: A K—12 digital learning research agenda. Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference. Philadelphia, PA.
Azukas, M.E., & Allen, J. (2026). Responding to student AI use: A STEM focused interactive experience. CESIMIC STEAM Conference, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M.E., & Kruse, S. (2026). Classroom t career: Exploring STEM teaching through simulation. Supporting grow-your-own programs, CTAE pathways, and teacher development. CESIMIC STEAM Conference, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M.E, (2025). Exploring the role of generative AI in preparing future educational leaders. Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference. Orlando, FL.
Hamblin, C., Neiffer, J. Michalowski, A., Harrington, C., Powell, A., Azukas, M.E. (2025). Unpacking the 2025 updates to the national standards for quality online learning (NSQOL). Digital Learning Collaborative 2025 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M.E., Sharp, J., & Brzycki, H. (2025). Voices to vision: Shaping standards, policy, and practice in digital education. Digital Learning Collaborative 2025 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M.E., Sharp, J., & Brzycki, H. (2025). Digital leadership: Establishing quality standards to guide our future. Digital Learning Collaborative 2025 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M.E., Dexter, S., & Gibson, D. (2024). Exploring How Affordances of Simulations May Strengthen the Principal Pipeline. University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), 2024 Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
Azukas, M.E. (2024). Exploring the Role of Simulations in Cultivating Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education Competencies Among Principal Candidates. University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), 2024 Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
Azukas, M.E. (2024). The Future of Leadership Development: The Efficacy of Simulations in Enhancing Systems Thinking. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), 2024 Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO.
Azukas, M.E. & Francois, M. (2024.) Integrating Physical and Remote Learning Spaces: An Exploration of Mobile Robotic Telepresence in Higher Education. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), 2024 Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO.
Azukas, M.E., Brzycki, H., Sharp, J. (2024). Conducting with Finesse: Shaping Virtual Leadership Best Practices. Digital Learningpalooza. Digital Learning Collaborative Online Conference October, 2024.
Azukas, M.E. & Spero, K. (2024). Using Simulations for Active Learning. RECAP Conference. May 16, 2024, West Chester University, PA.
Azukas, M.E. & Gibson, D. (2024). Teacher Talk: Lessons from simSchool Implementation in Teacher Education. Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference, Las Vegas, NV, p. 47-52.
Azukas, M.E. (2024). Digital diversity: Leadership for equity and cultural responsiveness in the online environment. Digital learning Collaborative, Annual Conference, Austin, TX.
Azukas, M.E. (2024). Preventing E-solation: Effective leadership strategies for building professional community. Digital learning Collaborative, Annual Conference, Austin, TX.
Azukas, M.E. (2023). Look Who’s Talking: ChatGPT, What Is it, How is it Used, and Future Implications. Panelist. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Azukas, M.E. (2023). Playing Around: An Examination of Student and Faculty Experiences with a Virtual Classroom Simulation. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
Azukas, M.E. (2023). Personalized Learning in Your Classroom. The Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo & Conference (PETE & C). Mount Pocono, PA.
Azukas, M.E. & Spero, K. (2023). Using Simulations to Promote Active learning in Higher Education. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Conference on Teaching and Learning Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA.
Azukas, M.E. (2022). The Future of Learning Post-Pandemic: Soft Systems Thinking as an Approach to Educational Change. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Azukas, M.E. (2022). Playing in the Classroom: Exploring a Gamified Simulation as Field Experience During the Pandemic. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Azukas, M.E. (2022) Action Research and a Soft Systems Approach to Organizational Change: The Implementation of an Online and Blended Learning Initiative in a Large Urban School District. American Education Research Association: 2022 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Azukas, M.E., & Holben, D.M. (2022) Innovative Solutions for Pandemic Problems: Exploring Simulations as Field Experience During Lockdown. American Education Research Association: Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Barbour, M.K. & Azukas, M.E. (2022). Teachers’ Perceptions of K-12 Online Learning: An Action Research Project. American Education Research Association: 2022 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Azukas, M.E. & Holben, D. M. (2022) Using Virtual Simulations in Teacher Education to Develop Equitable Teaching Strategies. Society for Information Technology in Teaching (SITE): Annual Meeting San Diego, CA.
Azukas, M. E. (2022) Developing a Professional Community for Faculty and Staff in the Online Environment. Digital Learning Collaborative: Annual Conference Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M. E. (2022) The Competencies Required for Effective Virtual Leadership. Digital Learning Collaborative: Annual Conference Atlanta, GA.
Azukas, M.E. (2020). In-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Online Learning: An Action Research Study of Online Learning Curriculum in a Graduate Course. Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), Annual Conference (Virtual).
Azukas, M.E. (2019). Virtual leadership and the Professional Standards for School Leadership. University Council for Education Administration, New Orleans, LA.
Azukas, M.E. (2019). A digital toolkit for teaching the sustainable development goals. International Society for Technology in Education, Philadelphia, PA.
Azukas, M.E. (2019). Competency-based math: How one district got started. Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personal Learning, Atlantic City, NJ.
Azukas, M.E. (2019). How can we prepare teachers to implement personal learning? Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personal Learning, Atlantic City, NJ.
Azukas, M.E. (2018). Can communities of practice be leveraged to promote school change? Arizona State Doctoral Research Conference, Tempe, AZ.
Azukas, M.E. (2018). Change leadership and management. Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personal Learning, Pittsburgh, PA.
Azukas, M.E. (2018). Developing a community of practice to promote professional development on personal learning. Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personal Learning, Pittsburgh, PA.
Azukas, M.E. (2018). Unleashing your organization’s potential through change leadership and management. New Jersey School Boards Association, Atlantic City, NJ.
Azukas, M.E. (2017). A personal professional learning cohort: Using a community of practice as a model for professional development. Arizona State Doctoral Research Conference, Tempe, AZ.
Azukas, M.E. (2017). Personal learning: Leading and managing change. Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personal Learning, Baltimore, MD.
Azukas, M.E. (2013). Evaluating teachers in blended learning environments. Online and Blended Learning Symposium, Orlando, FL.
Azukas, M.E. (2012). iLearnNYC: Using online and blended learning to personalize instruction. International Association for Online Learning, Northeast Regional Conference, Baltimore. MD.
Azukas, M.E. (2012). Evaluating Online Curriculum. New York State Online Learning Summit, Albany, NY.
Azukas, M.E. (2009). Visual texts and global studies. New Jersey Council for the Social Studies, New Brunswick, NJ.
Azukas, M.E. (2007). Motivating online students. Florida Virtual School Symposium, Orlando, FL.
Azukas, M.E. (2007). Collaborating online. Florida Virtual School Symposium, Orlando, FL.
Azukas, M.E. (2006). Online curriculum and pedagogy. Florida Virtual School Symposium, Orlando, FL.
Azukas, M.E. (2005). Motivating middle school students with mystery: The mystery of history. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Boston, MA.
Azukas, M.E. (2004). Fostering diversity through distance learning. National Council for the Social Studies, Baltimore, MD.
Azukas, M.E. (2004). Course design showcase middle school U.S. history. Annual Conference for Distance Teaching and Learning, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
THE SHIV NADAR FOUNDATION
In this project, I worked as a consultant for the Shiv Nadar Foundation. In this capacity, I designed and implemented six 7-hour professional learning sessions to 220 teachers across 5 schools in rural and metropolitan India. I facilitated the sessions in July of 2019.
Four of the sessions focused on “Designing for Student Engagement” in which I taught the teachers a design thinking model and we explored ways of applying design thinking to their work as teachers and in their classrooms. One session focused specifically on “Leveraging Design Thinking to Support the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.” In this session, I taught teachers about the SDGs and design thinking and how these ideas might form the basis of their curriculum. The final session was focused on “Strategies for Creating a Student-Centered Learning Environment” in which I leveraged my research on personal learning to assist teachers in developing more personalized classrooms. I continue to support teachers, leader, and schools in an online capacity.
The Shiv Nadar Foundation was established in 1994 by Shiv Nadar, Founder, HCL – an 8.6 billion dollar leading global enterprise. The Foundation is committed to the creation of a more equitable, merit-based society by empowering individuals through transformational education to bridge the socio-economic divide. To that purpose the Foundation has established institutions and programs in the underdeveloped disciplinary areas in India related to rural and urban education and art.
