MIST at CSU Monterey Bay

10/08/2026

We want to highlight one of our successful alumni: Veronica Becerra-Lopez who currently works at Mosaic!

Her reflection offers a powerful example of the many ways to apply instructional design beyond traditional training roles.

In her work, Veronica translates complex technical information into clear, accurate, and sustainable processes, considers how changes affect multiple teams and systems, and helps colleagues connect the bigger picture to the details needed for project implementation.

These are all critical applications of the instructional design process: understanding complex information, designing solutions for real audiences (and their needs), communicating with clarity, and evaluating whether those solutions work for the long term.

We are so proud to see Veronica applying her MIST experience as a collaborative problem-solver and systems-minded professional at Mosaic!

You can read more about her views on instructional design (and the work she does) here: https://lnkd.in/p/gZAnCJYS

Photo Credit: Mosaic

10/06/2026

Looking for a practical way to turn software walkthroughs into interactive learning experiences? ActivePresenter is an all-in-one eLearning authoring tool worth exploring

It allows you to record on-screen workflows, capture mouse movements and clicks, add annotations and narration, and build interactive walkthroughs that let learners practice or test each step.

Projects can also include quizzes, be built off of or created as PowerPoint files, and be exported for a learning management system through SCORM or xAPI.

The free edition offers an unlimited length trial to experiment with the tool before considering paid features.

Exploring tools like ActivePresenter is one way graduate students can practice various instructional design concepts with real-world course development or create professional-level portfolio pieces.

Check it out here: https://atomisystems.com/activepresenter/

10/01/2026

The California State University, Monterey Bay - MIST Program is now open for both Spring and Fall 2027 applications!

Applications are open until October 31st for our Spring Cohort and May 31st for our Fall 2027 Cohort.

The program is aimed at creating Instructional Designers, Corporate Trainers, Learning Experience Designers, among many other career pathways in education and instructional settings!

If you are interested in and , then we give you the combination of instructional technology and learning theory to make engaging learning experiences for any target demographic.

The program can be completed via hybrid modality, where you spend time on campus each semester, or entirely online!

Learn more at: csumb.edu/mist

09/22/2026

What happens when graduate students use generative AI to create concept maps?

During the Futures 2026: Conference on AI in Education, Business and Society in Luxembourg, MIST student Noah Kevy presented his published abstract, "Grad-Students Draw Concept Maps with AI: A Qualitative Study in Progress".

The project explores how graduate students experience concept mapping with generative AI in an online instructional technology course.

It asks an important question for today’s educators and Instructional Designers: how can AI support learning and elaboration without replacing the thinking that makes learning meaningful?

Noah’s project is a strong example of the innovative, practice-oriented research developed in the MIST program: where students investigate emerging technologies while considering their impact on learners and learning design.

For more on Noah's project and publication, check out the Futures 2026 conference proceedings:
https://futures.researchchair.org/

Learn more about the our program’s Capstone projects:
https://csumb.edu/scd/ms-instructional-science-and-technology/mist-curriculum/

09/17/2026

If you're looking for a no-cost way to create materials and modules, consider checking out eXeLearning!

eXeLearning is an open-source authoring tool that lets instructional designers build lessons with text, images, video, quizzes, games, and other interactive activities.

You can publish your work as a web-based resource, EPUB, or SCORM package for use in compatible learning management systems. It’s especially useful for prototyping lessons, creating open educational resources, and developing portfolio pieces.

This authoring tool is continously updated by the National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training in Spain.

https://exelearning.net/en/home-2/

09/14/2026

Adobe recently reached out to the program in regards to their Adobe Creative Apprenticeship program!

This is a great opportunity for those with both visual design skills and in photo/video editing as well. All of which are critically helpful skills in the fields of and

More details below:

Join us to learn more about the Adobe Creative Apprenticeship Program, including mentorship, paid work opportunities with Adobe and employer partners, and valuable skills to help you stand out in the design, photography, and video industries.

You’ll also get an inside look at Adobe’s AI-powered creative tools, including Adobe Firefly Boards, and how you can use them in your creative career.

BONUS: Attendees will have access to an exclusive paid Adobe commission opportunity, plus a chance to win an Adobe Creative Cloud license or Adobe swag!

This event is for CSU participants only. Must have a CSU email to register.

REGISTER HERE: https://airtable.com/appBmZiQSpiGayL53/pagG1hbp80RndGzWA/form?mc_cid=6c584f44b1&mc_eid=adf66936f7

07/10/2026

Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 CSUMB MIST Graduate Program!

CSU Monterey Bay’s MS in Instructional Science and Technology is a 16-month graduate program focused on , , e-learning, project management, and design.

The program can be completed partially or entirely online.

Learn more at: csumb.edu/mist

06/09/2026

It is incredible to think it was almost a month ago that our Fall 2025 cohort graduated from the MIST program!

Of the 35 students who graduated in Fall 2025, eleven walked the commencement stage in Salinas!

Congrats to all our grads who are now entering the field of 🥳

04/21/2026

Check out this recently published article by MIST student Stacey Lawson and her colleague Francie Alexander on for a neuroinclusive classroom. The article makes a strong case that inclusive learning includes creating environments, materials, and routines that reduce barriers before they arise. It also reinforces that belonging, feedback, practice, multiple ways of engaging, and meaningful student choice are essential for supporting neurodivergent learners!

Article link:

See how accessibility can be a made a part of classroom design, especially for neurodivergent students.

03/06/2026

The California State University, Monterey Bay MIST Program, building off the largest spring cohort in program history, is recruiting new graduate students for our Fall 2026 cohort!

Applications are open until May 31st!

If you work in or want to improve your skills in , , and , check out the program at http://csumb.edu/mist