Biography

Biography


Enrique Ortiz, Ed. D., is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Dr. Ortiz research focuses on teachers’ ability to identify and implement cognitive levels (using a revised framework of the concrete, pictorial/representative and abstract levels with the proposed addition of the virtual level) in mathematics learning, original geometric abstraction artworks integrating art and mathematics, optical topography of evoked brain activity during mental tasks, using TeachLive for teachers' development of diagnosis assessment self-efficacy, and problem-solving strategies. He has been involved in mathematics education as a middle school teacher, supervisor, instructor, writer or curriculum developer in Puerto Rico, Louisiana, and Florida. He has stayed very active in the profession by volunteering his services to organize professional conferences, reviewing manuscripts for publication, presenting papers and workshops locally, nationally and internationally, and publishing peer-reviewed articles and books. He published a book chapter involving social justice mathematics lessons in High School Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Justice. He has developed instructional games such as the Triangle Puzzle Challenges (using physical and virtual versions of the Triangle Puzzle pieces). Also, he has taught mathematics methods, curriculum development, problem solving, assessment, technology and action research courses.

Areas of Expertise
Education

Ed.D. in Secondary School Mathematics with Statistics, Louisiana State University

M.A. in Administration and Supervision of Schools with Statistics, Phoenix University, Puerto Rico Resident Center

B.A. in Secondary Education, Minor in Mathematics, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

Research

Investigating the use of the TeachLive immersive, mixed-reality classroom simulator, which includes the features of real classroom with desks, teaching materials, whiteboards, and students. While not seen by the teacher, the avatars are operated by an adult TeachLive “interactor.” This unique platform provides teachers the opportunity to practice their pedagogy in a no-risk yet realistic environment. Investigating students’ use of learning levels, Concrete (C), Pictorial (P) and Abstract (A) (also known as CPA levels), with the proposed addition of the Virtual level (V) (CPAV), as they learn mathematics (K-12 students) and develop mathematics instruction (pre- and in-service teachers). The virtual level involves virtual manipulatives in the form of Apps and Applets. In some ways related to the use of the pictorial (representative) cognitive level in teaching mathematics, I incorporate an innovative approach involving the use of art education concepts into the teaching of mathematics. As a way to increase appreciation and artistic problem-solving teaching strategies, this approach includes the creation, exhibition and presentation of original artwork involving the geometric abstraction art style. This artwork includes oil, acrylic, string art and digital images. I have published three articles related to these creative efforts.

Research Interests
  • Van Hiele Levels of Geometric Thought
  • Learning Cognitive Levels
  • TeachLive Simulations

Awards

University Level:

  • University of Central Florida Scroll & Quill Society (October 29, 2019)
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Award of the State University System of Florida (2013-2014)
  • Teaching Incentive Program (TIP) of the State University System of Florida (2021-2022)
  • Research Incentive Award (RIA) of the State University System of Florida (2006-2007)
  • University Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award of the University of Central Florida (2013-2014)

College Level:

  • College of Community Innovation and Education Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award of the University of Central Florida (2018-2019)
  • College of Community Innovation and Education Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award of the State University System of Florida (2017-2018)
  • College of Education and Human Performance Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award of the University of Central Florida (2013-2014)

Courses

  • MAE 6946 – Graduate Internship (3 semester hours) Fall 2021
  •  EDG 6329 – Quality Teaching Practice, Course Developer Shepherd (3 semester hours) Fall 2022
  • ESE 6427 – Capstone in Secondary Education (3 semester hours) Fall 2022
  • IDS 6939 – Curriculum Reform in Mathematics and Science (3 semester hours)
  • ESE 6256 - Critical Issues in Secondary Education (3 semester hours) Spring 2023
  • MAE 6517 – Diagnosis/Remediation of Difficulties in Mathematics for the Classroom Teacher (3 semester hours) Spring 2023
  • MAE 6318 – Current Methods in Elementary School Mathematics (3 semester hours)
  • MAE 6641 – Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills (3 semester hours) Spring 2023
  • EDE 3942 – Internship I – Elementary Education (3 semester hours)
  • MAE 3940 – Internship I – Secondary Education (3 semester hours) (3 students)
  • MAE 4941 – Internship II – Mathematics Education (3 semester hours) (2 students)
  • MAE 3311 - Elementary Mathematics for Teaching II (3 semester hours) Spring 2023
  • MAE 4326 – How Children Learn Mathematics. Spring 2019, Fall 2018 (3 semester hours)