Alexis Register

ABOUT ME

Dr. Alexis Register is a seasoned online psychology instructor with over 16 years of experience at Grand Canyon University, where she teaches a range of undergraduate courses and specializes in creating dynamic, student-centered virtual learning environments. She earned her Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction in 2021. Her dissertation, "Elements of Self-Transcendence to Combat Volunteer Compassion Fatigue," addresses critical issues in psychological resilience and volunteer well-being.

Dr. Register currently leads the Department of Online Teaching and Learning’s social media efforts, chairs the department’s Social Media Committee, and serves on both the 2025 L.O.P.E. Conference planning team and GCU’s AI Committee. She previously served as a board member and faculty lead for the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching and was the Assistant Managing Editor of the Journal of Non-Significant Differences.

An active scholar and mentor, Dr. Register serves as a dissertation content expert committee member and subject matter expert for courses such as Adult Development, Experimental Psychology, and Introduction to Psychology. She is also a dedicated peer reviewer for multiple academic journals, including the Journal of Instructional Research and Journal of Educators Online, with recent reviews exploring topics in blended learning, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy. Her own published works include:

“Promoting Holistic Learning Approaches: Doing Teaching and Learning Differently” (2021)
“Gratitude and Self-Perceived Stress in an Online Doctoral Program” (2022)
“Implementing Emotional and Social Intelligence Competencies in an Educational Business Service” (2022)
And a pending article in eLearn Magazine titled “Videos Online: The Integration of Contemporaneous Videos to Enhance Online Education”

A member of the American Psychological Association since 2020 and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) since 2024, Dr. Register brings a thoughtful blend of innovation, compassion, and academic rigor to all areas of her work.

ABSTRACT

In today’s online classrooms, meaningful connection can feel out of reach—but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, I’ll share how I’ve evolved student engagement over 16 years of teaching psychology at GCU, moving from prayer posts to AI chatbots. From creating inclusive, interactive spaces to integrating technology that supports—not replaces—deep learning, we’ll explore strategies that meet students where they are. You’ll see how AI can enhance role-play, support case study work, and build confidence without compromising academic integrity. We’ll also look at how themed weeks (like Gratitude & Mental Health) bring joy, purpose, and connection into the virtual space. Whether you're tech-savvy or just curious, this session will offer practical tools and encouragement to help you bring heart, creativity, and innovation into your own teaching.