Innovative Teaching At Merced College
Explore Teaching Innovations at Merced College
At Merced College, we are committed to student success through innovative, inclusive, and flexible teaching approaches. Below you’ll find a brief introduction to several key teaching and learning initiatives we support. Whether you’re beginning to explore or are ready to dive deeper, our Instructional Design Team is here to partner with you.
Online & Hybrid Teaching
Online and hybrid teaching models allow faculty to reach students in flexible, engaging ways—anytime, anywhere. Support student-centered learning through digital tools, multimedia content, and adaptive pacing.
At Merced College, we offer guidance on effective course design, Canvas integration, accessibility, and strategies for maintaining connection and rigor in digital environments.
Teaching with AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we teach, assess, and engage students. From tools that support writing and feedback to those that personalize learning pathways, AI offers exciting opportunities to enhance—not replace—human creativity and connection.
We emphasize ethical, inclusive, and practical use of AI aligned with academic integrity and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office guidance.
Dreamscape Learn & Immersive Learning
Dreamscape Learn transforms education through immersive, story-driven virtual reality experiences that make course content more engaging, memorable, and impactful—particularly in STEM fields. At Merced College, Dreamscape currently enhances Biology instruction, offering students virtual lab experiences that are cinematic, interactive, and aligned with learning outcomes.
This platform supports equity by providing scalable access to high-quality lab environments regardless of a student’s location or background. Looking ahead, we’re exploring opportunities to expand Dreamscape into other disciplines, and our Innovation Team is actively training in VR development tools to help faculty bring their course content to life in immersive environments.
Competency-Based Education (CBE)
Competency-Based Education is an equity-centered approach that allows students to progress based on mastery of skills and knowledge, rather than time spent in class. It offers flexibility and transparency while meeting workforce needs and student goals.
Merced College’s CBE pilots are supported by clear frameworks, a Canvas course blueprint, and customized faculty development.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Credit for Prior Learning recognizes the valuable skills students have gained outside the classroom—through work, military service, certifications, or other experiences. CPL offers students a faster, more affordable path to completion and helps validate their real-world expertise.
Merced College supports faculty in identifying CPL opportunities and implementing assessment methods that ensure academic rigor.
Remote Worker Lounge
Whether you’re working from home full-time or balancing hybrid schedules, the Remote Worker Lounge offers a virtual hub of resources, tools, and community connection. Here, you’ll find tips for staying productive, strategies for maintaining well-being, and tools for collaboration and engagement across distances.
We’re cultivating a culture of trust, flexibility, and innovation—where remote work supports institutional effectiveness and personal balance.
Ready to experiment or pilot something new?
Submit your ideas and help shape the future of teaching at Merced College.