Nicole Barnes
Senior Director, Center for Psychology in Schools and Education
American Psychological Association, United States
Dr. Nicole Barnes, PhD. is the Senior Director for Psychology in Schools and Education at the American Psychological Association (APA), the leading non-profit organization for psychology in the United States with over 160,000 members. In this role, Dr. Barnes spearheads APA’s initiatives to advance cutting-edge applied research to inform educational practices and policies, translate it into accessible formats for educators, and champion evidence-based approaches alongside APA’s Advocacy team to support policies that help educators and students thrive. As a result, APA is an authoritative voice in the integration of psychology to advance teaching and learning worldwide.
With over two decades of dedication to advancing education, Dr. Barnes earned her PhD in Educational Psychology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, with concentrations in cognition, learning, development, and educational measurement. She began her career as a fifth-grade teacher in Elizabeth, NJ, where she grew up, igniting her passion for teaching and educational practices. Dr. Barnes later transitioned to higher education, serving as a professor of educational psychology and a senior doctoral faculty member in the Teacher Education, Teacher Development Program at Montclair State University in New Jersey for 13 years.
Keynote
Educational technologies are revolutionizing teaching, learning, and assessment worldwide. For example, AI-driven platforms in China, such as Squirrel AI, create personalized learning paths and provide real-time feedback. In Japan, AI-powered Learning Management Systems like Classi promote collaborative learning, while gamified assessments in Singapore engage and motivate students. Data analytics platforms in India, such as Byju’s, offer deep insights into student performance, enabling targeted interventions, and there are many more examples.
However, there is a risk that these technologies might be used to replace essential human interaction rather than complement it. Moreover, without the supportive context provided by teachers and peers, which fosters emotional engagement and personalized guidance, these tools may not deliver their promised results.
Consider two case studies: In the first, a student interacts with educational technologies in an environment that fosters trust and open communication. This student feels safe to share thoughts and ideas, receives supportive feedback, and is encouraged to set and achieve personal goals. In the second case, a student uses similar technologies but in a setting where there is little emotional support or encouragement. This student feels isolated and hesitant to engage fully with the learning material.
Why is the first student more successful? The key difference lies in the environment that fosters psychological safety and capital. The first student benefits from a supportive atmosphere that builds confidence, resilience, and a positive outlook, essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success. The second does not.
In this talk, I will answer:
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How are educational technologies being used to foster 21st-century competencies?
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What are the psychological principles of safety and capital, and why are they essential for student success?
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What success stories from across Asia highlight the effective integration of these principles to create thriving educational environments
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Join me as we explore the intersection of technology and psychology in transforming education for the 21st century.
Beyond Algorithms to Empathy: How Psychological Safety and Capital Ensure Student Success in the Digital Age
Expert Workshop
Building on the insights from the keynote address, this masterclass will provide an in-depth exploration of how psychological safety and capital can be effectively integrated into educational environments to enhance student success in the digital age. Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to deepen their understanding and application of these critical concepts.
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Key Objectives:
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Deep Dive into Educational Technologies: Examine how AI-driven platforms, Learning Management Systems, and data analytics tools are being utilized globally to foster 21st-century competencies. Understand the potential and limitations of these technologies in creating personalized and engaging learning experiences.
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Understanding Psychological Safety and Capital: Explore the psychological principles that underpin a supportive learning environment. Learn why fostering trust, open communication, and emotional engagement is essential for student success and how these elements contribute to building resilience and a positive outlook.
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Analyzing Case Studies and Success Stories: Analyze real-world examples from across Asia where the integration of psychological safety and capital has led to thriving educational environments. Discuss the factors that contributed to their success and how these can be replicated in different contexts.
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Generating Practical Applications: Through guided exercises and group discussions, participants will apply their newly acquired knowledge to case studies and their own educational practices. This hands-on approach will help attendees develop actionable strategies to create supportive and effective learning environments.
Join us for this engaging and practical session to transform your educational practices and foster student success through the power of psychological safety and capital.