Jen Elbek

About Jen Elbek

I am an Instructional Designer in higher education with nearly a decade of experience teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). I\'m passionate about AI\'s potential to enhance education when applied effectively and responsibly. I\'m also committed to student success and faculty development, and I enjoy using my knowledge, experience, and creativity to leverage technology in education to find solutions and meet teaching/learning needs.

Experience

1. Instructional Technology Specialist (Faculty Support Specialist)

   Western Oregon University

   Jul 2025 — Present · Monmouth, OR, US

   Design, develop, and facilitate faculty development programming that supports evidence-based, inclusive, and effective teaching across face-to-face, online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced modalities-Provide individual and group consultations on instructional design, course alignment, assessment strategies, and teaching with technology-Lead faculty training and resource development related to digital accessibility and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), supporting institution-wide compliance with ADA requirements and inclusive course design practices-Develop and maintain accessibility training materials, guides, and workshops that help faculty create accessible instructional content across digital platforms-Lead and coordinate an institution-wide initiative focused on generative artificial intelligence in higher education, bringing faculty and senior academic leaders together to examine pedagogical, ethical, and policy implications-Facilitate cross-campus conversations, forums, and workshops that support informed decision-making around AI use in teaching, learning, assessment, and academic integrity-Collaborate with instructional designers, instructional technology specialists, library staff, and academic leadership to align faculty development efforts with institutional priorities and emerging needs

Education

• Washington State University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Language, Literacy, and Technology

• Gonzaga University

  Master's Degree, Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language- Peace Corps Masters International

  2012 — 2017

• EHU

  Spanish and Basque language and culture

  2011 — 2011

• Washington State University

  Bachelor's Degree, Anthropology and English, minor in Spanish

  2008 — 2012