Member Spotlight

Dr. Alice Pak Ed.D.

Dr. Alice Pak, Ed.D., serves as the Coordinator of Educational Technology and Innovation at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE).

1.  How long have you been a member of CoSN?

“2 years"

2. Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?

"I joined CoSN to connect with a national network of educational technology leaders and to stay on the forefront of emerging trends. I especially value the thought partnership, access to high-quality resources, and opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that advance digital equity and innovation in schools."

3.  How did you get into the field of educational technology?

"I started teaching online back in 2009 when teaching jobs were hard to find. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, I discovered just how powerful technology could be for student engagement and equity. That experience launched me into a career I still love today."

4.  What does your daily work entail?

"I support districts and schools across Los Angeles County with technology integration, professional learning, and AI literacy. My daily work includes designing and delivering professional development, advising administrators on responsible AI and digital equity policies, and building partnerships that help educators leverage technology to engage every learner." 

5. What emerging trends or technologies in education are you most excited about, and why?

"I’m intrigued by vibe coding, an emerging trend where people describe what they want in natural language and AI generates the code. Instead of worrying about syntax, learners “vibe” with AI by prompting, testing, and refining until it works, which lowers barriers and makes coding more accessible and creative. Finally, I see huge promise in robotics, from classroom STEM applications to the possibility of humanoid assistants that make futuristic learning experiences feel tangible today. Together, these innovations push us to reimagine what teaching and learning can look like in the next decade."

6. What is something you are excited to be working on right now?

"I'm currently working on writing a book titled "Confessions of an Online Teacher: Real Lessons and Strategies for Engaging Every Student." It's part memoir, part field guide, grounded in my 15 years of experience teaching in a fully online K–12 public school. The book blends personal stories, practitioner insights, and research-informed strategies to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in digital education: authentic student engagement. I’m especially excited about the “strategy boxes” in each chapter, practical, ready-to-use ideas for teachers navigating online and blended learning. I’m also weaving in moments of humor and honesty, because teaching online isn't just a tech challenge, it’s deeply human work. This project has become a meaningful way to honor what online teachers have learned (sometimes the hard way) and provide tools for the next generation of digital educators."

7.  What is your favorite book, movie, or TV Show?

"I’ve recently been hooked on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. It’s this witty and imaginative series that remixes Korean history with food, picture royalty, court intrigue, and delicious traditional dishes woven into the storytelling. I love how it blends humor, culture, and cuisine in a way that’s both entertaining and culturally meaningful. It’s like learning history through a feast."

8. What CoSN Committee are you a part of?

"Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board"

9. What hobby(s) do you enjoy doing outside of work?

"Outside of work, I enjoy teaching Pilates, traveling, and exploring new food spots with my family. I also still play Pokemon Go with my family and my favorite Pokemon character is Snorlax."

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