AI & Next-Gen Learning
Explore Innovative Teaching
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.
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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.
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Artificial Intelligence
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Ready to experiment or pilot something new?
Connect with our team with your ideas and help shape the future of teaching at Merced College.
The Innovation Team
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Kody Stimpson
Dean Innovation and Institutional EffectivenessInstitutional Effectiveness -
Jenny McCaffery-Jones
Program AssistantInstitutional EffectivenessMailstop 60 -
Sediqa K Zamani
Educational Technology SpecialistMailstop 2 -
Pamela L Huntington
Professor of Instructional Design -
Brodey M Nance
Educational Technology AnalystMailstop 6 -
Mark A Lopes
Educational Technology SpecialistMailstop 6 -
Keri C Ortiz
Professor of Instructional Design -
Jeshua A Hopson
Curriculum Specialist -
Jessica Levitt
Curriculum SpecialistMailstop 6 -
Dondi M Lawrence
Director Rising ScholarsLearning Resources Center
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Travis C Walsh
Educational Technology Specialist - CMCPMailstop 6 -
Neida M Alonso
Help Desk TechnicianInformation Tech ServicesMailstop 6