The Innovative Learning Center (ILC) partners with faculty and staff on academic research strategies and acts as a liaison between Information Technology and faculty. By complementing skilled technologists and cutting-edge technologies, the ILC is a space for faculty to explore what is possible in academic technology now and prepare them for future trends in higher education and beyond. Come find us on the third floor of Howard-Tilton Memorial Library or contact us at ilc@tulane.edu.
Meet Our Team
Executive Director, Strategic Digital Innovation
Mike Griffith is the Director of the Innovative Learning Center. He is also an adjunct lecturer in the Communications Department at Tulane University. His academic background is in cultural and new media theory, which he has used to develop theoretical frameworks for emerging media pedagogies. Mike has been a National Endowment for the Humanities Digital Fellow as well as a visiting scholar at the Newcomb College Institute.
Bobbie Garner-Coffie, MSW, MLA
Manager Instructional Technology
Bobbie manages the integration of educational applications within the learning management system and promotes the adoption of EdTech applications and tools throughout teaching and learning experiences at Tulane. Bobbie approaches technology integration using the TPACK Framework, cultivating a relationship between technology, pedagogy, and content while helping instructors deploy technology successfully. Bobbie promotes collaboration among peers, guides users effectively, and is always ready for a moment of levity. Bobbie fosters dynamic partnerships with vendors and campus partners, engages with faculty and instructional staff, and leads workshops, webinars, and monthly meet-ups for academic technology liaisons across the institution. Bobbie is an ICF-Level 2 certified leadership and resilience coach and has completed OLC's Certificate of Instructional Design program.
Blaine Fisher, PhD, MS, MA, NRP, PG-Cert
Sr. Instructional Technology Specialist
Dr. Blaine Fisher is an Instructional technology expert, specializing in instructional development and faculty professional growth. Blaine leads faculty workshops on the latest academic technologies, including AI, Canvas, YuJa, Top Hat, Zoom, Box, MS Teams, Qualtrics, and more. He provides regular sessions on AI topics, like AI Fundamentals, AI for Course Development, AI for Research, AI as a Second Brain, and 9-5 AI for Productivity.
Each year, Blaine facilitates Preflight to Canvas, a 3-day intensive boot camp designed to prepare faculty for the upcoming semester. This accelerated training focuses on Canvas, YuJa, and Zoom, ensuring that participants are ready to leverage instructional technology effectively in their classrooms.
Blaine holds a Ph.D. in Geography and Anthropology, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management, and a Master of Liberal Arts in Anthropology and Emergency Management. With over 13 years of experience in instructional design, academic technology, and professional development, Blaine is committed to empowering educators to innovate and succeed in their teaching practices. Blaine is also an adjunct instructor, leading multi-disciplinary courses with Tulane's School of Professional Advancement.
See also:
Tulane University Expert Spotlight
Tulane School of Professional Advancement Faculty Profile
LinkedIn Profile
Instructional Technology Specialist
Izabela Zbyrowska supports faculty and staff in developing engaging, effective learning experiences through instructional design and educational technology. With a background in instructional systems and learning technology, she integrates tools like Articulate Rise, Canvas LMS, and Adobe Creative Cloud to enhance digital learning. Izabela draws on frameworks such as the ADDIE model and Bloom’s Taxonomy to align learning strategies with organizational goals. She has led large-scale training initiatives, revamped onboarding programs, and improved training completion and retention rates through data-informed design. Izabela holds certifications in Quality Matters, Human Performance Technology, and Crucial Conversations, and is passionate about building learning environments where people can thrive.
Instructional Operations Lead
With a remarkable tenure of 25 years at Tulane, Carrie has been an integral part of the institution's technological evolution. Starting as a help desk agent, Carrie has expanded her expertise through roles in technical writing, knowledge management, telephone systems admin, and classroom technology implementation. Currently, she serves as an Instructional Operations Lead and is ITIL-certified.
Carrie is a Canvas Learning Management System admin and oversees a team of student workers who provide essential classroom technology and printer support. Their collaborative efforts with the telecom department, library staff, AV team, and the instructional technology team ensure seamless technological operations across the campus.
Known for her friendly rapport with long-time Tulane staff and her welcoming nature towards newcomers, Carrie excels in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Her exceptional attention to detail and determination to resolve technology issues make her a valued resource for the university community. Carrie is passionate about learning new things and helping end users, believing that it's the people at Tulane who make it great.
A native of New Orleans, Carrie is actively involved in a Mardi Gras costuming club and proudly marches in three parades each year. Pieces of her intricately beaded costumes are displayed in her office, showcasing her creative talents. Carrie enjoys a vibrant family life outside of work with her spouse and two teenage children. Their free time is filled with attending volleyball games, debate tournaments, youth orchestra concerts, and various other activities, including sailing, tennis, Boy Scouts, and walking her dog, Benji.
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ariel is the Marketing and Communications Specialist for IT/ILC and the Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT). On behalf of IT/ILC, Ariel develops and facilitates marketing and communications for programs and events, manages newsletter content, and designs and delivers informational campaigns. Ariel is a native New Orleanian who has been a part of the Tulane community since 2012. As an undergraduate student, Ariel previously worked with Tulane's Neurosurgery Department, Africana Studies, SLA Gulf South Center, and the School of Liberal Arts. Ariel completed her undergraduate degree in 2017 from Tulane University and joined CELT's team, where she was quickly promoted from Administrative Program Coordinator to Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Ariel also went through Tulane's SoPA to complete the Human Resource Development, Management, and New Business Ventures program to further her learning.
