Hilal Ayan

Position

PhD Student – Second Year

How Did You Join the ISLT Program at FSU?

I joined ISLT in Fall 2023. I learned about the program during my PhD application process after moving to the US in the summer of 2022. I met with Dr. Dennen, Dr. Staudt-Willet, and Dr. Caskurlu to gain insights into the program, driven by my growing interest in social media, informal learning, and instructional design and technology from my previous studies in Turkiye. These insights led me to decide that ISLT at FSU is the best fit for me, and I felt a connection not only to the program but also to the people. It is certainly a reputable program, and the community is highly supportive of me as an international student.  

Introduction

I am an emerging scholar and educator, currently pursuing my Ph.D. in ISLT with a bachelor`s degree. My research is grounded in my deep interest in informal learning, self-regulated learning, communities of practice, and online and distance learning in higher education contexts. I am particularly focused on understanding how learners navigate formal and informal learning environments and how learning technologies can empower learners and foster agencies.  

Currently, I am involved in several research projects, including studies on social media’s role in learning, webcam use by learning professionals, online communities of practices for teachers, news consumption patterns of youth, professional and scholarly development of graduate students, and STEM education outreach. 

Alongside my research, I have gained diverse teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant at both Florida State University and Bogazici University, where I helped design and deliver courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. My teaching philosophy is closely tied to my interest on self-regulation, aiming to create empowering and transformative learning experiences.

Research Interests

Informal learning in (emerging) adults, communities of practice, social media and education, self-regulated learning, professional development, and identity construction of emerging/ novice scholars. 

Projects

FSU-CHOOSE STEM Outreach Grant Project. 

Online Communities of Practice for Teachers. 

Social Media Education – Teachers` and Parents` Perspectives. 

Online World Maps of College Students.

Social Media

 http://www.linkedin.com/in/hilal-ayan-karabatman-602196190

Professional Service and Leadership

AECT Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Board Representative (2025-26) 

AECT GSA Professional Development, International Outreach and Awards Committees – Member (2024-25) 

Instructional Systems Student Association at FSU – President (2025) 

Turkish Student Association at FSU – President (2025)