The future of education took center stage at Oakland Community College (OCC) on Nov. 7 as educators from across Michigan gathered for the Educational Technology Organization of Michigan’s (ETOM) annual fall conference. Nearly 100 professionals from 14 colleges and five universities attended the event at OCC’s Auburn Hills campus, co-sponsored by the College’s Academic Technology Group (ATG) to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping teaching and learning.  

The conference focused on “The Innovation Generation”—students of the digital age whose creativity, critical thinking and relationship with technology are redefining the classroom. Participants explored pressing questions such as: How does students’ reliance on, or distrust of, technology influence their learning? Will innovation shrink or expand exponentially with tools such as artificial intelligence (AI)? 

“OCC was proud to host this important conversation about how technology continues to transform education,” said Kayla LeBlanc, Dean of Academic Technology and Instructional Innovation. “As educators, we’re preparing students not just to use technology, but lead through it.”  

OCC technology leaders share expertise 

Several OCC staff and faculty presented at breakout sessions highlighting innovative approaches to teaching and learning: 

  • Dr. Sharon Korth, English Faculty and Technology Fellow, and Jake Webb, Manager of Academic Multimedia Studio Services – Creating Engaging Course Content Through the Use of Multimedia 
  • JoDee Gibson, Psychology Department – From Reactive to Proactive: Building, Healing-Centered Academic Systems 
  • VaNessa Thompson, English Department – Using Podcasts and Media Modalities to Deepen Reflection and Engagement 

Leading innovation in instruction 

OCC is a founding member of ETOM, established in 1980. “As active members of ETOM, we participate and contribute to the organization’s professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest national and, more importantly, local trends,” said Linda Wareck, Instructional Technologist with OCC’s Academic Technology Group. “That connection allows us to bring innovative opportunities directly to our faculty and students.” 

Instructional Technology in higher education is the theory and practice of using hardware and software to design, develop and manage effective and engaging learning experiences.  

Instructional Technology at OCC includes tools such as: 

  • Learning Management Systems for course delivery, assignments and communication 
  • Digital Learning Tools such as video lectures, virtual labs and multimedia presentations 
  • Online and Hybrid Learning with fully online courses, and blended learning environments 
  • Collaborative Tools such as Zoom for faculty office hours, live instruction and group projects 
  • Assessment Technologies including online quizzes and plagiarism detection tools 
  • Emerging Technologies implementing AI, virtual and augmented reality, and data analytics 

At OCC’s Innovation Studio, located on the Auburn Hills campus, instructors can access professional-grade cameras, audio, lighting, teleprompters and more to create dynamic course content.  

“Our multimedia team works with instructors to help transform their lessons into professional productions that grab and hold their students’ attention,” Wareck added. 

A tradition of innovation 

OCC’s commitment to distance learning opportunities dates to the late 1990s. The College deepened its commitment by establishing a dedicated Academic Technology department in 2004 to support faculty in integrating new technology into their instruction. 

In 2016, OCC achieved accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission to offer fully online programs, marking a significant milestone in its online learning journey. Today, OCC provides a robust portfolio of online programs and continues to expand and innovate to meet the evolving needs of its students and community.  

“When COVID-19 struck, we were already well-positioned to meet the urgent need to transition all our courses to a fully remote format,” said LeBlanc. “The pandemic accelerated the broader integration of technology into teaching, a powerful part of how students learn and succeed.” 

About OCC     

Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.      

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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu