About
Welcome to the Innovation in Learning Center (ILC) at the University of South Alabama!
Our goal is to improve the quality of learning at USA by promoting a culture of innovation where faculty, staff, and students participate collaboratively in creative teaching and learning experiences. The ILC promotes innovation through coordinated professional development initiatives and integrated instructional technologies for the traditional classroom, blended courses, and fully online learning environments. The overall vision is that the center will serve as a hub for researchers, scholars, and faculty members from all over the world to brainstorm and promote educational research.
Jack Dempsey
Director
Dr. John “Jack” Dempsey is a Professor of Instructional Design and Development at USA. He received his Master’s and Doctorate in Instructional Systems from Florida State University. Dr. Dempsey has been a Department Chair and directed the former USA Online Learning Lab. He has authored numerous publications and is co-editor of the award-winning Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology, now in its third edition. Email
Rob Gray
Manager of Faculty Development Services
Dr. Robert Gray is the Manager of Faculty Development Services for the Innovation in Learning Center. He holds an M.A. in English and a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from the University of Alabama. Formerly the Director of USA’s Program for the Enhancement of Teaching And Learning (PETAL), Dr. Gray has taught English and has served as an Instructional Designer/Technologist at several universities, including Michigan State, Troy State, and UAB. His research interests include interaction, dialogism, blogging, streaming video, and qualitative and mixed methods research methodologies. He has also published two books of poetry. Email
Jason Smith
Systems Manager, Academic Technology
As the Systems Manager of Academic Technology at the Innovation in Learning Center, Jason Smith is responsible for planning, implementing, and supporting a wide range of instructional technology initiatives. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from USA, and has several years of related experience. Email
Jeff Davidson
Manager of LMS Services
As the Manager of LMS Services, Jeff Davidson is responsible for USA’s Sakai CLE and eCollege online learning systems, as well as for leading the University’s transition from eCollege to Sakai CLE. Jeff holds a B.S. in Computer Science from USA and has over 20 years experience in managing information technology. Email
Meegie Wheat
Distance Learning Coordinator
Meegie Wheat monitors and optimizes the Learning Management System (LMS) platform for enhanced performance. She coordinates the creation of course shells, duplication of course content, and the deployment of surveys and course evaluations for web-based, web-enhanced, and hybrid courses for USA faculty. In addition, she serves as a liaison for administrators, faculty, Learning Management System Client Services Consultants, third party integration partners, and students. Meegie has a B.S. in Administrative Sciences in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Gabrielle Kahanamoku
Distance Learning Specialist
Gabrielle Kahanamoku is responsible for Sakai, eCollege, eCompanion, and hybrid course management. She also provides Foliotek assistance to students and guides them in creating their online portfolios. Email
Gurupreet Khalsa
Senior Instructional Designer
Gurupreet holds a B.A. in Secondary English Education, and an M.A. in Education from Cal State L.A. She is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Whitney Bryan
ILC Faculty Resource team leader and member of the Website team. Whitney holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, and is enrolled in the pre-doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Tonka Jokelova
ILC WOW and Instructor Bootcamp team leader. Tonka holds an M.Phil. in English and Philosophy and an M.A in Communication from USA. She is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Golf Kanjanapongpaisal
ILC Website and Video teams. Golf holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering, and an M.S. in Instructional Design and Development from USA. He is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Sylvia Rogers
ILC Sakai Training leader. Sylvia holds a B.A. in Russian Language and a B.S. in Computer Science. She is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Melissa Walter
ILC Audio/Video and Equipment/Software teams. Melissa holds a B.A. in Psychology, and an M.A. in Corporate and Public Communication from USA. She is enrolled in the pre-doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Stasia Weston
ILC Second Life and Social Media team leaders. Stasia holds a B.F.A. in Theatrical Design, and an M.A. in English from USA. She is working on her dissertation at USA in the Ph.D. Instructional Design and Development program. Email
Lee Ann Kelley
ILC Faculty Resources and Newsletter teams. Lee Ann holds a B.A. in English. She is enrolled in the pre-doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Hameed Mirza
ILC Audio/Video and Equipment/Software teams. Hameed holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering. He is enrolled in the pre-doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
Mary McCall
ILC Sakai Training Team. Mary holds a a B.A. in Education and an M.S. in English. She is enrolled in the doctoral program in Instructional Design and Development. Email
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