Creative Learning Initiatives
The Creative Learning Iniatives (CLI) team focuses on leveraging emerging multimedia technologies to create compelling student learning experiences in collaboration with faculty partners across the Commonwealth.
Our Impact
Our team of teaching and learning specialists offers consultation, training and support for class-based learning activities that incorporate established and emerging technologies. Each semester, CLI publishes a full report on trends as well as notable projects and programs across the Commonwealth. The statistics below represent a sampling of the ways in which our team impacts the University community.
In Spring 2025:
classes supported
in-person and remote engagements
people assisted
click the graphic to see the full report
With support from the Creative Learning Initiatives team, I’ve been able to make my IST and MIS courses more hands-on and engaging — from video storytelling and 3D printing to generative AI and 360° virtual tours. These collaborations have transformed my classes into creative, play-based learning experiences that help students build real-world digital and analytical skills.
Resources and Offerings
Creative Learning Initiatives offers tailored spaces across the Commonwealth to provide students and faculty with the right technology for completing impactful course assignments. Additionally, CLI makes exploring the impact of existing and emerging technologies easy both in and out of the class time.
Specialized Assignment Support
Media Commons
This initiative enriches the teaching and learning experience through multimedia technology, including video, audio, web, print and more and operates at all of Penn State's locations.
Maker Commons
Another university-wide initiative that builds off the Media Commons model but focuses on 3D printing and rapid prototyping through robotics, paper craft, textiles, and more.
IMEX Lab
The Immersive Experiences (IMEX) Lab is designed specifically for 360° video, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augumented Reality (AR) viewing, experimentation and creation.
AI Exploration & Class Engagement
AI Arcade
Open to faculty, staff and students, the AI Arcade offers iPads loaded with premium AI tools, custom-designed experiences, and retro arcade games reimagined with AI exploration in mind.
Creative Labs
AI Creative Labs are hands-on learning experiences where students explore the creative potential of generative AI by making music, designing games, and telling stories.
IMPACT Deck
IMPACT is an exploratory, card-based game that aims to introduce students, faculty and staff of backgrounds to a variety of situations in which established and emerging technologies impact society.
Discover More from the Community
Media Commons, Maker Commons and IMEX Lab have the distinct privilege of being able to work with faculty and students on a wide variety of creative projects and initiatives, all across the Commonwealth. The community of teachers and learners inspires our team – and we hope you, as well.
Meet the Team
You can connect with us at umg-psu.cli@pennstateoffice365.onmicrosoft.com.
Dean Blackstock, M.Ed.
interim Associate Director of Creative Learning Initiatives
Business Analyst, Operations and Communications
Markus Fürer
Interactive Experiences Manager
interim Manager, Media Commons, Maker Commons + IMEX Lab
Trace Brown
TLT Specialist
University Park
Dan Getz
TLT Specialist
University Park
Chris Lee
TLT Specialist
University Park
Emily Sikora
TLT Specialist
University Park
Carla Seward, M.Ed.
TLT Specialist
Eastern Campuses
Nick Smerker
TLT Specialist
Western Campuses
Interactive Experiences | The Dreamery
Tyler Greer
Creative Designer
Zach Lonsinger, M.Ed.
Learning Experience Designer
Nick Rossi
Creative Designer
Brian Shook
Application Developer
Sergey Stefanovich
IT Consultant
Talk with Us
Have a great idea? Get in touch with us! We can help you identify the right technologies to meet your pedagogical needs, or develop something completely new.