Ms. Elshobokshy, as the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Learning, plays a pivotal role in implementing a comprehensive digital learning strategy at the University of the District of Columbia. She leverages technology and diverse instructional methods to enhance the teaching and learning culture. Ms. Elshobokshy leads and informs the University's strategy for innovation in instructional technologies and recommends advancements in educational technology, learning design, and continuous improvement within Academic Affairs.

Ms. Elshobokshy directs infrastructure transformations and strengthens quality assurance for distance learning courses and programs. She collaborates with academic programs to expand distance learning offerings and works closely with deans, department chairs, administrative directors, faculty, and staff to foster a culture that enhances the educational experience.

Education

Post-Graduate courses in Learning Design and Technology, George Mason University

M.A. Intercultural Relations and Conflict Resolution, Lesley University

B.A. Hebrew Literature, Shams University (Cairo, Egypt)

Julian King is the Quality Matters Manager & Instructional Designer at the Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL). His focus is on managing the certification process of UDC Distance Learning courses.  In this position, he also provides coaching and expertise to faculty regarding research-driven best practices of learning science and course design to meet the needs of all learners. Mr. King also consults on data-driven assessment methods and resource planning for applications of emerging instructional technologies. As the Assistant Blackboard administrator, he collaborates with faculty and staff in drafting training programs, work plans, and instructional technology support including web-based and interactive video-based courses. He regularly delivers training to UDC faculty through webinars on topics such as Quality Matters, Course Design & Blackboard Gradebook.

Prior to joining UDC and CAL, Mr. King worked in secondary education, where he provided coaching, training, and resources to enhance data-driven mathematics instruction and foster a sense of community within his partnering Maryland & DC schools. He has also spent 6+ years working in the public sector of education as a math instructional coach and secondary math teacher.

Mr. King also enjoys traveling, swimming, sports, and hanging out with friends.

Education

M.Ed. Instructional Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus

B.A. Mathematics: Secondary Education, Virginia Union University

Pat Kittrell is a seasoned Information Technology Specialist and Learning Management System Administrator at the Center for the Advancement of Learning. With two decades of experience in audiovisual production, information technology, and digital media, Mr. Kittrell brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

At the Center, Mr. Kittrell collaborates closely with academic departments and stakeholders to evaluate, test, and implement cutting-edge technological solutions. His innovative approach is exemplified by the design and implementation of One-Button Studios across all campuses, empowering faculty, staJ, and students to create high- quality audiovisual presentations with ease.

Mr. Kittrell's diverse industry background, spanning education, legal services, non-profit, and government contracting sectors, has honed his ability to ensure optimal return on technology investments. He is particularly adept at scaling up hyflex classroom technology and integrating immersive technologies, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the UDC community's technological capabilities.

Colleagues describe Mr. Kittrell as unfailingly positive and eager to explore new opportunities. His passion for helping others and ensuring the best possible user experience is evident in his approach to customer service, audiovisual technology system management, and IT support.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Kittrell is a self-taught musician who enjoys creating music in his home studio. His musical versatility extends to playing drums, keyboard, turntable, bass, and guitar.

Education

B.S. Digital Media/Web Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus
A.A. General Education, College of Southern Maryland

Grace Kent, M.A., serves as an Instructional Designer, Outcomes Assessment Coordinator, and Quality Assurance Manager at the Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) at the University of the District of Columbia. She earned her Master's degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Georgetown University and her Bachelor’s in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Ms. Kent is passionate about designing engaging, learner-centered courses that enhance both teaching and student experiences. She is committed to ensuring educational quality through comprehensive assessment and continuous improvement processes.

With a focus on outcomes assessment, Ms. Kent strives to ensure that courses effectively meet learning objectives and contribute to student success. She also leverages data to help educators visualize learning outcomes, enabling them to make informed decisions and continuously improve their courses. Outside of her professional work, Ms. Kent enjoys playing chess, discovering new music, and finding new walking trails in the D.C. area.

Education

M.A. in Learning, Design, and Technology, Georgetown University

B.A. in Public Policy, University of Michigan

Kit serves as Instructional Designer, Learning and Teaching Specialist at CAL. She helps UDC instructors build out courses using best practices in learning science, ensuring that instructional design is grounded in evidence-based strategies that promote student engagement, retention, and mastery of course objectives. 

Kit began her career in Istanbul, Turkey, where she spent three years teaching English to adult language learners. This early experience ignited her passion for education. She returned to the U.S. to pursue an Ed.M. in Learning & Teaching from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In the years that followed, Kit served as an Adjunct Instructor at Bunker Hill Community College and a Senior Lecturer in the Global Pathways Program at Northeastern University. She later took on the role of Assistant Professor at the English Language Institute at Bellevue College, where she further refined her expertise in language instruction and curriculum development. With a solid background in teaching and designing learning experiences for diverse adult learners, Kit is dedicated to creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive educational experiences for all.

Education

Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, UMass Boston

Ed.M. in Learning & Teaching, Harvard Graduate School of Education

B.A. in English, with honors, Tulane University

William “Finn” Trotman acts as the Instructional Technologist for UDC Apple and Immersive Technologies Programs here at the University of the District of Columbia. He utilizes the unique qualities of augmented reality and virtual reality tools to show faculty and learners new ways to learn about their subjects. As part of this initiative, Mr. Trotman delivers workshops to students and faculty on how to use virtual reality headsets and guides them through their first time using virtual reality and augmented reality applications. He also showcases new features of Apple technology to improve learner accessibility and diversify our library of tools and applications.

Prior to joining the CAL team at UDC, Mr. Trotman received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Maryland: Baltimore County in 2016 and worked with the Census Bureau’s Innovation in Technology Office for 10 years. He is now currently pursuing an associate’s degree in mortuary science from UDC and is the president of the Mortuary Science Student Association.

Education

B.S. in Computer Science, Magna Cum Laude, University of Maryland: Baltimore County