At the intersection of innovation and learning: Faculty spotlight on Dr. Tony Cuevas

"The future of education is at the intersection of disciplines," says Dr. Tony Cuevas, whose own career path exemplifies this convergence. After starting in K-12 education, Cuevas pursued a Ph.D. in instructional systems at Florida State University, which opened doors to corporate training roles. In 2001, he joined SMU to help develop innovative interdisciplinary programs and now, as one of the co-program directors of the online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences at SMU, he's helping shape the future of learning through cutting-edge technology and research-based approaches.

From the classroom to consulting and back again

Education runs deep in Dr. Tony Cuevas's DNA. As the son of a high school teacher who later became an administrator, the path to education seemed natural. Yet his journey to becoming a leader in learning sciences took a few turns. "I initially tried to move away from education," Cuevas recalls. His early career aspirations led him to pursue business administration and even a brief stint in law school. After working in the business sector, however, he found himself drawn back to his roots in education–a field that would eventually allow him to combine his passion for teaching with his interest in business innovation.

After completing degrees in both business and education, Cuevas began his career as a high school teacher. It was during his master's studies in education that he discovered his true calling: the intersection of instructional design and learning sciences. "I saw a need there, especially with the students I was teaching, in terms of keeping them engaged and having interactive learning experiences more than just the traditional program," he explains. This revelation led him to Florida State University's doctoral program in instructional systems, where mentorship from leading faculty members dramatically expanded his perspective on educational possibilities. The program opened his eyes to opportunities beyond K-12 education, including corporate training and military education.

Following his doctorate, Cuevas joined Electronic Data Systems (later acquired by Hewlett Packard) in Dallas. For a decade, he immersed himself in corporate education and training consulting, including work with Kearney (formerly A.T. Kearney). This experience exposed him to cutting-edge technologies and larger-scale projects than he had encountered in K-12 education. Then, in 2001, SMU presented an opportunity that would allow Cuevas to combine all aspects of his diverse background. The university was investing in new interdisciplinary graduate programs and needed someone who could bridge the gaps between faculty, industry, and innovative educational approaches. This led to his role in helping develop the SMU Guildhall, one of the nation's first and most prestigious graduate programs in video game design.

"What appealed to me most about it was that SMU was investing in new interdisciplinary graduate programs, and they were looking for an instructional designer who could help them work with faculty and work with industry and bring those things together," Cuevas says. Under his leadership as Academic Director, the GuildHall program rose to become one of the top five programs of its kind in the country.

His experience with the GuildHall sparked a deeper interest in using video games and interactive technologies for educational purposes. This led to his transition to SMU’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development, where he could fully integrate his interests in education, technology, video games, and interactive learning.

Innovation at SMU: Where Gaming Meets Education 

At SMU, Dr. Cuevas found himself at the forefront of educational innovation, helping to establish one of the country's pioneering graduate programs in interactive media. His work with the SMU GuildHall, now ranked among the top five programs nationally for video game design¹, laid the groundwork for understanding how interactive technologies could revolutionize learning.

"SMU is uniquely poised to drive innovation in the learning sciences," Cuevas explains. "The collaboration between the GuildHall and the School of Education allows us to stay current with the latest technologies while bringing together game designers and education specialists to create cutting-edge learning solutions." This interdisciplinary approach continues to influence the Master of Science in the Learning Sciences (MSLS) program, where students benefit from cross-pollination between gaming technology, educational theory, and practical application. The program's location in Dallas's growing tech hub provides additional opportunities for industry collaboration and real-world project experience.

Groundbreaking research: From virtual surgery to adult literacy 

Dr. Cuevas’ current research projects exemplify the MSLS program's commitment to solving real-world learning challenges through innovative technology.

Virtual Reality Surgical Training 

In partnership with King's College London, the University of Zambia, and University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Cuevas and his team developed VR surgical simulations that are revolutionizing medical training in developing nations.² The project focuses on specific procedures like radical abdominal hysterectomy, addressing a critical need in countries where cervical cancer diagnosis is increasing but surgical training resources are limited.²

"What makes this project special is its accessibility," Cuevas notes. "While traditional surgical simulation systems can cost upwards of $500,000, our solution uses commercial VR headsets costing around $2,000, making it feasible for hospitals in developing regions to implement comprehensive training programs."²

The simulations serve dual purposes: accelerating the training of new surgeons and providing crucial refresher training for emergency procedures.

"In cases like postpartum hemorrhage hysterectomy, surgeons might need to perform the procedure in the middle of the night with little notice. Our simulations allow them to quickly review the procedure before entering the operating room," Cuevas explains.

Award-winning adult literacy innovation 

Another groundbreaking project under Cuevas' instructional design leadership is an adult literacy mobile game that tied for the grand prize in the XPRIZE competition. Competing against 140 teams worldwide, the SMU team created a solution that addresses one of America's most pressing educational challenges.³

"Adult literacy programs across the country have long waiting lists, and many individuals feel embarrassed to attend in-person classes," Cuevas explains. "Our mobile game provides a private, engaging way for adults to improve their literacy skills through their smartphones."

The project, which won specifically for best game for native Spanish speakers, brought together literacy experts, game developers from the GuildHall, and local literacy organizations.⁴ Since its initial success from 2015 to 2019, the team has expanded the app's capabilities and is developing versions for middle and high school students.

Both projects generate valuable data that informs future development and personalization. "Every click, every interaction in these learning environments provides insights into how people learn," Cuevas says. "This wealth of data helps us continuously improve our approaches and creates opportunities for students in our program to engage with real-world learning analytics."

The success of these initiatives demonstrates the MSLS program's emphasis on practical problem-solving and innovation. Students in the program have opportunities to participate in similar projects, gaining hands-on experience with emerging technologies while addressing genuine educational needs.

Preparing tomorrow's learning innovation leaders 

The Master of Science in the Learning Sciences program at SMU is strategically designed to prepare professionals who can navigate and shape educational experiences. "We're preparing students for the future of learning," Cuevas says. "Our program is positioned to be on the leading edge of AI integration with learning sciences, focusing on practical, applied solutions."

The 30-credit online program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines core foundational courses with specialized tracks. Students can complete the program in five terms over two years, taking two courses per term. This structure allows working professionals to balance their studies with career commitments while gaining immediate practical applications for their learning. Students can choose between two cutting-edge specializations:

Learning & Technology Design 

Drawing from SMU's expertise in gaming and immersive technologies, this specialization focuses on creating innovative learning experiences. "The learning and technology design courses build on our leadership in using video games, virtual environments, and immersive technologies for learning," Cuevas notes.

Students explore emerging technologies like VR/AR, embodied learning design, and AI-enhanced instructional systems.

Learning Analytics

This specialization prepares professionals to harness the power of data and AI in educational settings. "With our projects collecting massive amounts of learning data, we need experts who can translate this information into improved learning experiences," Cuevas explains.

Students learn to analyze learning patterns, implement AI-driven personalization, and make data-informed decisions about educational design and delivery.

Alternatively, students can customize their degree by taking courses across both specializations, creating a personalized path that aligns with their career goals. 

Hands-on learning, online delivery

A distinguishing feature of the MSLS program is its required capstone project, where students apply their learning to real-world challenges. "Every student will have experience with a hands-on project to apply what they're learning in the programs," Cuevas emphasizes. These projects often involve collaboration with industry partners or research initiatives, providing valuable professional experience and networking opportunities. The program's location in Dallas's growing tech hub and SMU's strong industry partnerships provide unique advantages for students. Through collaboration with the GuildHall and various technology partners, students gain early exposure to emerging technologies and their applications in learning environments.

"We're able to see what technologies will be released in three to five years," Cuevas notes. "Many of the technologies being used in education were originally developed by either the military or the video game industry. We're able to adapt them and integrate them into the program in the early phases."

Designed for working professionals, the program delivers high-quality education through an engaging online format. While the program is primarily online, students have the option to participate in on-campus immersion experiences, allowing them to connect with faculty and peers while experiencing cutting-edge learning technologies firsthand. Students also have opportunities to engage with faculty research projects, including initiatives in VR medical training, AI-enhanced learning systems, and educational gaming. These experiences provide hands-on exposure to emerging technologies while contributing to solutions for real-world educational challenges.

Charting new career paths in learning innovation 

The evolving nature of education and technology has created new and exciting opportunities for learning sciences professionals. MSLS graduates are positioned to lead innovation across various sectors, from corporate training and educational technology to museum curation and traditional education settings. For prospective students considering the program, Cuevas emphasizes the importance of passion for helping others learn and drive to solve practical problems.

"The field is changing rapidly, with new roles and opportunities emerging constantly," he notes. "Our program provides a structured way to master both foundational principles and cutting-edge applications."

The job market for learning sciences professionals continues to expand, with titles and roles evolving as quickly as the technology that drives them. While traditional positions like instructional designer and training specialist remain relevant, new opportunities are emerging:

• Learning experience architects
• Digital learning innovation specialists
• Learning analytics managers
• Adaptive learning systems designers
• Corporate learning strategy directors
• Museum experience designers

Even with these burgeoning roles, Cuevas notes, "The titles often are lagging the positions. What we're seeing in corporate America and K-12 settings is a transformation of traditional roles to incorporate immersive technologies and engaging, data-driven approaches."
MSLS graduates will find themselves uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between education, technology, and business. Whether they choose to enhance traditional educational settings with innovative technologies, develop corporate training solutions, or create new learning platforms, they bring a research-based, practical approach to solving learning challenges. The combination of technical expertise, learning theory, and practical application makes MSLS graduates particularly valuable in today's job market. As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of effective learning systems and data-driven training approaches, the demand for professionals who can design and implement these solutions continues to grow.

Shaping the future of learning at SMU

As technology continues to reshape how we learn and teach, the Master of Science in the Learning Sciences at SMU stands at the forefront of preparing the next generation of learning innovation leaders. Under Dr. Cuevas's leadership, the program combines cutting-edge technology with sound pedagogical principles, preparing graduates to tackle the learning challenges of today and tomorrow.

"Our graduates are prepared not just to adapt to change, but to drive innovation in learning across all sectors," Cuevas says.

For those passionate about transforming how people learn through technology and research-based approaches, the online MSLS program offers a pathway to becoming part of this evolution. As artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies continue to reshape the learning landscape, SMU's MSLS graduates will be at the forefront, creating more effective, engaging, and accessible learning experiences for all. To learn more about the online M.S. in the Learning Sciences program at SMU, schedule a call with an admissions advisor.