Angelica Pazurek

Angelica Pazurek is a Teaching Associate Professor of Learning Technologies at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota. With 25 years of experience in traditional and online higher education, her scholarship bridges practice and research, focusing on critical digital pedagogy, learning science, and learning design. She holds a PhD in Learning Technologies from the University of Minnesota, an MEd in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and a BS in Dental Hygiene with a specialization in Dental Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

• Education:
  • PhD, University of Minnesota, Learning Technologies
  • MEd, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Adult and Higher Education
  • BS, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dental Hygiene (Dental Education specialization)

Pazurek’s research explores the human-centered nature of learning with technology, emphasizing interpretive phenomenological research designs to understand learner experiences and ecosystems. Recent projects examine generative artificial intelligence in education, co-construction in higher education, and international open and distance learning initiatives. Her pedagogical approach prioritizes equity, inclusion, and learner agency through critical digital pedagogy.

Her scholarly contributions span generative AI, social media for connected learning, phenomenology, and critical digital pedagogy, with 15 recent articles reflecting interdisciplinary trends in educational technology, learner engagement, and ethical design. She is affiliated with the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL), and International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS).

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2023-2024 CEHD nominee for the Horace T. Morse – University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education
  • 2022-2023 Editor’s Best Reviewer Award recipient in the Asian Journal of Distance Education
  • 2020 CEHD Outstanding Achievement Award for developing a new undergraduate minor program in Learning Technologies
  • 2016, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Department of Curriculum and Instruction nominee for the CEHD Distinguished Teaching Award

Pazurek actively engages in advising and mentorship, welcoming students to contact her for academic programs in Learning Technologies. She has contributed to key presentations on identity in educational technology, formative evaluation in instructional design, and feminist pedagogies in distance education, with talks spanning global conferences in Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, and virtual panels.