Nancy MacCann-Alfaro

Nancy MacCann-Alfaro serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Atacama, Chile. She is currently completing her doctoral studies with a thesis on 'Metacognition, self-regulation of learning, and argumentation in university students during a virtual critical debate,' scheduled for defense on February 25, 2025.

Her educational background includes:

• Graduate in Psychology (University of Tarapacá, Chile)
• Master's Degree in Social Psychology (University of La Serena, Chile)
• Child and Adolescent Systemic Psychotherapist (Pontifical Catholic University, Chile)
• Diploma in Legal Psychology (University of La Serena, Chile)
• Diploma in University Pedagogy (University of Atacama, Chile)

MacCann-Alfaro's research program centers on the intersection of educational technology and cognitive processes in university settings. Her work investigates how digital tools can enhance metacognitive awareness and argumentation skills among students, with particular focus on virtual critical debates and their impact on self-regulated learning. She approaches these questions through the lens of both psychology and social work education.

Her two recent publications in the TEEM conference proceedings reveal consistent research themes across 2018-2019, showing progressive development in applying information and communication technologies to foster critical thinking in higher education contexts. The research demonstrates methodological sophistication through the use of mixed methods and qualitative analysis of multimedia data.

As a recipient of the University of Atacama's predoctoral scholarship (2016-2020), she has been active in the Research Group on Digital Innovation and Education (eduDIG). Her academic development has been supported by extensive participation in research methodology workshops covering qualitative analysis, mixed methods approaches, and academic publishing.

Her professional activities bridge Chilean and Spanish academic institutions, with her email affiliation at Universidad de Salamanca indicating international research collaboration while maintaining her primary faculty position at the University of Atacama.