Brian Beatty

Dr. Brian Beatty is a Professor in the Department of Equity, Leadership Studies, and Instructional Technologies at San Francisco State University (SFSU). He specializes in instructional design for hybrid-flexible learning environments and GenAI applications in education. As a former Department Chair (2009-2012) and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Operations (2012-2020), he led initiatives to integrate technology across university programs. His research focuses on social interaction in online learning, HyFlex course models, and equitable access to education.

Beatty holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University (2002), an M.A. in Instructional Technologies from SFSU, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University. He has 35+ years of experience in education, including teaching, instructional design for the U.S. Navy, and corporate training.

His HyFlex framework, developed at SFSU, allows students to choose participation modes (in-person, online, or hybrid) within a single course, prioritizing flexibility and accessibility. Recent work explores GenAI’s role in enhancing student engagement and learning design.

Beatty’s leadership roles involved coordinating academic technology units and supporting pandemic-era transitions to online learning. His publications emphasize post-pandemic pedagogical strategies and equitable course design.