Bridging Worlds: DELTA’s Alin Yalcinkaya Builds a Framework for the Future of Learning

In the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, few researchers can seamlessly navigate between data visualization, extended reality (XR) and faculty development. Alin Yalcinkaya (pronounced uh-LEAN) is one of those rare interdisciplinary scholars who not only bridges these worlds but creates entirely new frameworks for understanding them.

As a postdoctoral research scholar with DELTA’s Research and Analysis team, Yalcinkaya has become an integral force behind some of the university’s most innovative educational initiatives. Many of these initiatives, from revolutionizing course quality (CQ) assessment to pioneering XR literacy frameworks, are gaining national recognition.

A Creative Catalyst for Cross-Campus Collaboration

Yalcinkaya’s role at DELTA does not exist within traditional academic or professional boundaries. In any given week, she might be mentoring faculty through survey design as lead of the Course Quality Research Fellows program, co-leading XR literacy research, partnering with the Digital Media Innovation team, or presenting her latest findings at international conferences like the iLRN (Immersive Learning Research Network) Conference.

“I collaborate with multiple teams across different projects, and that variety is something I truly enjoy,” Yalcinkaya explained. This collaborative spirit extends far beyond DELTA’s walls. She actively networks across campus, working with the Data Science and AI Academy, expanding DELTA’s research grants portfolio, and serving as a guest speaker for courses throughout and beyond NC State. 

Even meetings with her mentor, Dan Spencer, are catalysts for innovation: “Most days, we start with a quick check-in and end up in extended, creatively charged meetings. When two creative minds come together, there’s always a detour into new ideas and deep dives into the details — which we both truly enjoy.”

Defining XR Literacy for the Next Generation

Perhaps Yalcinkaya’s most groundbreaking contribution is her work around the concept of “XR literacy” — a framework that emerged directly from her doctoral research on data literacy in the Learning Design and Technology program at NC State College of Education.

Extended reality (XR) refers to a range of immersive technologies used to enhance learning experiences. Virtual reality (VR) places users in fully simulated environments, while augmented reality (AR) overlays digital content onto the real world. Mixed reality (MR) blends the two, allowing digital and physical elements to interact in real time. In educational settings, XR makes complex topics more accessible by turning abstract concepts into engaging, hands-on experiences that support deeper understanding and retention.

XR literacy refers to the ability to understand, interact with, and navigate XR environments along with their interfaces. But her approach goes deeper, identifying three key roles in any XR project: developers, educators and learners. “The success of XR implementation depends on all three speaking a common language,” she explained.

This insight addressed a critical problem Yalcinkaya observed in higher education. “Many educators find XR intimidating, especially if they don’t come from a tech background. This gap often leads to failed implementations — VR headsets sitting on shelves, unused,” said Yalcinkaya.

“XR literacy is about changing that. It helps create clear, open communication between everyone involved and leads to more effective, sustainable XR use in learning environments,” she added.

Her XR literacy framework has already gained attention outside the university, with presentation materials shared widely following her talk at the iLRN conference. This October, she will be presenting at Educational Technology Collaborative (ETC) Conference 2025, and DELTA is exploring one-day workshops for other organizations and universities in the UNC system.

“In addition to this,” Yalcinkaya noted, “I have worked with Mike Cuales and his team (Digital Media Innovation), and they are planning to host XR demo and hands-on sessions for new DELTA grants faculty.” These collaborative sessions continue to grow NC State’s capacity for integrating immersive technology across campus and beyond.

Transforming Course Quality Through Research

Before Yalcinkaya joined DELTA, faculty interested in educational research had less structured support. As the lead of the Course Quality Research Fellows program, she has created a comprehensive roadmap for faculty to transform their teaching practices into publishable research.

“I mentor faculty in designing data collection materials and help them grow as educational researchers,” she explained. As a member of the Research and Analysis team, her role extends to fostering cross-campus collaboration, identifying external grants, providing research support, and assisting faculty with their research to enhance the effectiveness of technological methods in the classroom. 

This integrated approach means that while she’s helping individual faculty develop research skills, she’s simultaneously building the infrastructure and partnerships that will support broader educational innovation.

The impact has been immediate and significant. The team’s university-wide study on students’ perceptions of course quality earned recognition at the Quality Matters (QM) Connect Conference in November 2024, where they received an award for their “Student Voices” presentation.

The Artist-Researcher Intersection

Another aspect of Yalcinkaya’s work is how her identity as a digital artist permeates every element of her creative process, including the way she approaches her research. As a recognized data and AI artist, she creates generative artwork that expands her thinking and helps her visualize problems in unusual ways.

“My artistic practice expands the way I think and helps me approach problems from multiple angles,” she reflects. “I’m always open to being inspired — by people, by environments, by chance.”

This creative perspective has led to invitations as a guest speaker and instructor across universities, including co-teaching the “Storytelling with Data and AI” course at NC State’s Data Science and AI Academy, a role where her creative and technical expertise truly converged.

A Global Perspective on Local Impact

Born in Erzincan, Türkiye, and educated across four countries, Yalcinkaya brings an international perspective that shapes her innovative approach to educational research. Her journey from secondary mathematics education in Türkiye to NYU’s Steinhardt School of Digital Media Design for Learning, and finally to her doctorate at NC State, reflects a scholar who embraces change, complexity and creativity.

“Living abroad and immersing myself in different cultures has taught me to approach the world — and my work — with more curiosity and compassion,” she explained. “It’s made me more creative, more open-minded and more attuned to different ways of thinking.”

This global mindset shapes how she approaches research design, from creating more inclusive survey instruments to developing frameworks that can transcend cultural and technological barriers.

Beyond the Data: Building Human Connections

While Yalcinkaya’s technical expertise is a critical part of what she brings to her work, she also highlights the importance of translating complex research into information that is both accessible and practical.

“Our work at DELTA — especially on the Research and Analysis team — is designed to evaluate and scale our impact. That includes everything from faculty development programs to innovative teaching technologies,” she noted. “We work hard to translate our findings — whether into academic papers, conference presentations or internal briefs.”

“Knowing how to speak ‘research’ is one thing,” she explained, “knowing how to adapt that language for faculty, administrators or developers is what creates real impact.”

This ability to bridge both worlds has made her contributions invaluable to DELTA’s various teams and external partners. Her work goes beyond just collecting data. Yalcinkaya is focused on transforming research into actionable insights that drive real change in educational practice.

The Next Chapter in Lifelong Learning

As her postdoctoral appointment progresses, Yalcinkaya remains focused on what initially attracted her to educational technology: the intersection of creativity, technology and learning.

“During my graduate studies, I built strong theoretical foundations. In my postdoc, I got to apply what I learned, deepen my skills, and grow through experience,” she reflected. “This journey continues for me — I see it as a lifelong path of joyful learning, creating and sharing.”

For students and early-career researchers looking to follow a similar path, her advice is both simple and profound: “Know yourself. Once you know your values and interests, you’ll find the environments and topics where you naturally thrive. That self-knowledge becomes your compass — and helps you contribute to your field in your own, unique way.”

Thinking Outside the Box

When asked about the future of educational research, Yalcinkaya’s response captured the innovative spirit that defines her work: “‘Thinking outside the box’ isn’t a cliché — it’s a mindset we need. Education doesn’t have to be an ‘either/or’ space. Every technological shift opens up new perspectives.”

As researchers and educators, she explained, “we have the opportunity — and the responsibility — to explore those possibilities with creativity, courage, and care.”

This philosophy perfectly encapsulates Yalcinkaya’s approach to her work at DELTA: combining rigorous research with creative problem-solving, bridging technical complexity with practical application, and always maintaining focus on the human elements that make education meaningful.

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, that kind of boundary-crossing creativity isn’t just valuable; it’s essential.

Learn More About Alin Yalcinkaya:Visit Alin’s Linktree to explore her research, generative artwork and ongoing projects.