Elba Martoral Ortiz
Canóvanas
Summary
A higher education leader with demonstrated experience guiding faculty professional development, leading curriculum innovation through an instructional design lens, and advancing educational quality across university settings. Highly proficient in the use and integration of educational technologies, including the use of AI to enhance teaching and learning. Experienced in collaborating with academic leaders in the planning, coordination, and evaluation of institutional initiatives aimed at meeting accreditation standards, continuous improvement, and student success. Has contributed to the design and review of academic programs and faculty development aligned with institutional priorities and contemporary trends in higher education. Distinguished by collaborative leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Workshop facilitator
Mortgage Bankers Association of Puerto Rico
01.2026 - Current
- Facilitated in-person workshops using active learning methodologies (Problem-Based Learning, collaborative learning, case studies).
- Facilitated the training course: Formación para Instructores: Capacitando a capacitadores.
- Developed instructional materials with AI-powered digital resources to enhance participant engagement and learning retention.
- Implemented meaningful learning strategies adapted to different learning styles and needs.
- Monitored participant progress, adjusting training interventions based on digital survey results to improve learning outcomes.
- Assessed learning using rubrics, authentic instruments, and AI-powered performance metrics.
- Designed competency-based training program for trainers, aligning objectives, content, and assessment to improve effectiveness in the banking industry.
- Managed the logistics and planning of training sessions (time, resources, materials).
Workshop facilitator
Universidad Sagrado Corazón
San Juan
03.2026 - 03.2026
- Modeled and implemented innovative pedagogical strategies (active learning, authentic assessment, educational technology) to enhance teaching effectiveness in university settings.
- Designed and delivered training on instructional planning, goal alignment, activities, and assessment to foster structured, active, and student-centered classes.
- Developed teaching materials that assist teachers in designing effective lesson plans.
Instructional Designer
Universidad Albizu
Viejo San Juan
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Led the Title V curriculum redesign project, incorporating emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
- Diagnosed training needs and proposed evidence-based solutions aligned with educational trends, enhancing instructional effectiveness.
- Advised faculty on ethical and pedagogical integration of artificial intelligence, fostering responsible technology use in courses.
- Designed learning experiences and presentations using generative AI tools.
- Implemented automation strategies for content creation, feedback, and assessment.
- Developed workshops to enhance faculty proficiency in managing Blackboard learning platform.
- Guided faculty members in piloting and evaluating courses with Quality Matters rubrics.
- Facilitated faculty development of digital skills, promoting critical engagement with emerging technologies for improved teaching practices.
Director of Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
Nuc University
01.2014 - 01.2023
- Developed assessment programs that measure the effectiveness of CTL programs and improve faculty performance, student learning and faculty community.
- Designed and develop training, workshops and professional development plan for the online faculty.
- Led professional development projects for faculty and staff, overseeing execution of training programs and ensuring high-quality training processes.
- Developed training course for online professors using Canvas LMS, enhancing faculty engagement and instructional quality.
- Diagnosed training needs through gap analysis and information gathering, informing targeted professional development initiatives that enhanced faculty capabilities.
- Evaluated training impact using indicators and results analysis; advised teams and leaders on innovative learning methodologies adoption, fostering continuous improvement.
- Designed and implemented training strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
- Oversaw team of auditors and trainers to enhance faculty development efforts.
- Collaborated with faculty associate dean to expand training and support for faculty roles in the research process, strengthening faculty engagement.
- Assisted in developing evaluation instrument for online faculty performance.
- Promoted the use of educational technologies to strengthen learning environments.
Online Spanish Instructor
National University College-Online
San Juan
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Planned and delivered communicative, student-centered lessons that improved students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in real-world contexts.
- Delivered instruction for Basic Spanish I and II, (SPAN 1010, SPAN 1020) fostering foundational language skills in speaking, reading, and writing.
- Designed and implemented assessments, including quizzes, exams, and assignments, to measure and support student progress in language acquisition.
- Facilitated inclusive, interactive learning environment that boosted participation, collaboration, and confidence in using Spanish.
- Integrated cultural content from Puerto Rican and broader Hispanic contexts to deepen students’ intercultural competence.
Faculty Online Coaching
Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
Campus Virtual
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Guided instructors in developing technological skills for effective online course management.
- Supported instructors in designing and implementing learning experiences aligned with institutional standards.
- Recommended targeted improvements addressing identified needs, enhancing instructional effectiveness.
- Provided formative feedback from classroom observations, syllabus analysis, and assessment strategy reviews to strengthen teaching quality.
- Assisted instructor in recognizing barriers to effective teaching and developing strategies for resolution.
- Facilitated professional development through workshops, mentoring, and practice communities focused on educational innovation and active learning methodologies.
Instructional Designer
National University College-Online
Bayamón
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Designed courses and academic programs aligned with learning outcomes, competencies, and higher education standards.
- Structured learning experiences using instructional models (ADDIE, backward design) and active methodologies.
- Created multimodal educational content (interactive modules, videos, guides, digital activities) to engage diverse learners.
- Designed authentic assessment instruments (rubrics, projects, portfolios) aligned with competencies.
- Trained faculty on pedagogical use of educational technologies and innovative teaching strategies, improving teaching effectiveness.
- Optimized courses on Blackboard LMS to improve navigation and enhance user experience for learners.
- Applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and inclusive design in educational materials to support all learners.
- Evaluated courses and training experiences using learning analytics and performance metrics.
Instructional Designer
Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
Bayamón
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Designed courses and academic programs aligned with learning outcomes, competencies, and higher education standards.
- Designed dual language courses for AGMUS Venture Project, improving accessibility and engagement in bilingual education.
- Created workshops that equipped educators with skills to effectively manage Blackboard learning platform, enhancing teaching effectiveness.
- Presented workshop on integrating multimedia interactions for online courses.
- Trained faculty using Blackboard LMS, enhancing faculty engagement and instructional quality.
- Investigated and recommended open source tools to improve online course offerings, increasing resource options for instructional design.
Spanish Teacher
Departamento de Educación
Loiza, Rio Grande, Naguabo y Humacao
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Enhanced students' understanding of Spanish language fundamentals, fostering effective communication skills.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance collaboration and communication skills among students.
- Compiled and presented reports on academic achievements and student grades to guide instructional strategies.
- Utilized targeted computer programs and online resources to address reading challenges, improving student literacy.
Education
Master's degree - Instructional Design and Educational Technology, Spanish
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
Santurce, PR01-2011
Continuing Education - Oppositional Defiant Disorder Conduct
Universidad del Este
Carolina, PR01-2008
Bachelor of Secondary Education - Spanish
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico
Fajardo, PR01-2004
Skills
- Training delivery
- Webinar facilitation
- Curriculum development
- Instructional design
- Assessment design
- Competency-based training
- Differentiated instruction
- Course evaluation
- Knowledge programs LMS (Blackboard, Canvas By Instructure, Moodle)
- Adult education
- Program development
- Teacher mentoring
- Training & development
- Educational leadership
- Project management
- Time management abilities
- Web accessibility
- Video editing
- Storyboarding
- Generative AI design
- AI prompt engineering
- AI type differentiation
- Staff development
- Student retention
- Presentation skills
- Pedagogical research
- Quality Matters course review
- Accreditation standards
- Curriculum mapping
- Spanish Instructor (Undergraduate Level)
- Proficiency in Communicative Writing Instruction
Academic Presentations
- Martoral, E. (2026). Designing Effective and Structured Classes. Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, Puerto Rico. (Faculty Workshop)
- Martoral, E. (2025). Adult Learning Principles. Training for Trainers Program, Puerto Rico. (Workshop)
- Martoral, E. (2025). Training Delivery Techniques. Training for Trainers Program, Puerto Rico. (Workshop)
- Martoral, E. (2025). Competency-Based Training. Training for Trainers Program, Puerto Rico. (Workshop)
- Martoral, E. (2024). Semiotics of Instructor Speech. Faculty Development Session, Puerto Rico.
- Martoral, E. (2024). Microlearning: The New Way to Teach. Universidad Albizu, Puerto Rico. (Workshop)
- Martoral, E. (2024). Subject Matter Expert Guide for University Courses. Faculty Guide
- Martoral, E. (2023). Humor as a Pedagogical Tool. Faculty Development Session, Puerto Rico.
- Martoral, E. (2020). Creating Learning Activities in Canvas. NUC University, Puerto Rico. (Workshop)
Timeline
Workshop facilitator
Universidad Sagrado Corazón
03.2026 - 03.2026
Workshop facilitator
Mortgage Bankers Association of Puerto Rico
01.2026 - Current
Instructional Designer
Universidad Albizu
01.2023 - 01.2025
Online Spanish Instructor
National University College-Online
01.2018 - 12.2020
Director of Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
Nuc University
01.2014 - 01.2023
Faculty Online Coaching
Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
01.2012 - 01.2019
Instructional Designer
National University College-Online
01.2011 - 01.2013
Instructional Designer
Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
01.2009 - 01.2011
Spanish Teacher
Departamento de Educación
01.2004 - 01.2009
Master's degree - Instructional Design and Educational Technology, Spanish
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
Continuing Education - Oppositional Defiant Disorder Conduct
Universidad del Este
Bachelor of Secondary Education - Spanish
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico