We recently interviewed Dr. Renata Avelar Giannini, the Elliott School’s new Assistant Dean of Executive Education and Special Initiatives. With 15 years of experience in the think tank and international organizations sector, Giannini has been at the forefront of international affairs, providing technical expertise and supporting national governments in developing innovative policy solutions.
Dr. Giannini has extensive experience in data visualization and consulting with national governments and international organizations and has designed and delivered numerous executive education programs specifically tailored to the security and diplomacy sectors, addressing critical societal challenges such as conflict resolution, civil-military relations, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, as well as gender mainstreaming in climate change strategies.
Q. What are your plans for enhancing Elliott’s online learning and executive education portfolio?
Over the past decade, higher education enrollment has declined, yet the demand for quality credentials beyond a high school diploma remains strong, highlighting what individuals and employers prioritize in professional development during economic uncertainty.
To meet this challenge, we are expanding our online learning and executive education portfolios in a complementary manner. The pandemic underscored the feasibility and desirability of remote learning and working. However, as remote fatigue sets in, we must rethink how we deliver online education. The Office of Online Education is actively expanding its offerings beyond the current two master’s programs, providing students with the opportunity to pursue both degree and non-degree programs through a hybrid model that integrates in-person and online learning experiences.
Hybrid formats strike a crucial balance: they combine the scalability and convenience of online platforms with the interpersonal connections of in-person education. This approach allows students to customize their schedules while benefiting from our prime location in the nation’s capital.
In executive education, interest in credentialing and micro-credentialing has surged. At the Elliott School, we are leveraging an unbundling approach to offer short, skills-focused courses and stackable credentials aligned with various career paths. With ten master’s programs, five undergraduate programs, and numerous initiatives, we can create modular programs that address specific regions, themes, or competencies.
By integrating and complementing online learning with executive education, the Elliott School remains at the forefront of higher education innovation and meets evolving societal and workforce demands.
Q. How do you see emerging technologies (i.e. AI or VR) enhancing and/or harming higher education and remote learning in particular?
Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) have the potential to transform higher education and remote learning by enhancing accessibility, personalization, and engagement. However, their integration must be approached thoughtfully to address ethical and practical challenges.
Two key enhancements are personalization and accessibility. AI can tailor educational content to individual students’ needs and learning styles, improving outcomes. Meanwhile, AI-driven translation tools and VR can broaden access to education by breaking down language barriers and providing immersive experiences that enrich learning environments.
Despite these advantages, challenges remain. Inequality is a critical issue, as these technologies may exacerbate disparities for students lacking adequate infrastructure or technical skills. Additionally, over-reliance on technology could undermine foundational educational practices, potentially eroding critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This raises an important question: how can we integrate emerging technologies to enhance learning without compromising equity or educational rigor?