In this episode of “Ed Tech Hour,” Kelly Renner, Ph.D., program chair of social sciences and psychology at Franklin University discusses her career journey, her research on motivation and burnout, and how technology is reshaping higher education and online learning.
Dr. Renner planned to work as a sports psychologist before transitioning to community mental health counseling, and eventually higher education at Franklin University. Renner explains that her background in counseling significantly influences her teaching philosophy, as she prioritizes student motivation, mental health awareness, and supportive learning environments when designing curriculum.
The episode also highlights Dr. Renner’s leadership role as program chair and implementation of proactive communication with online students. She addresses the role of educational technology in modern classrooms and discussion and encourages students to use AI responsibly by citing it properly and expanding on AI-generated ideas with their own critical thinking.