DMEL

DMEL, the Digital Media Education Laboratory, is a research and teaching institute located at the University of Artesia’s College of Communication and Media Studies. Established in 2008, the lab was created to explore the intersection of emerging digital technologies and educational practices, with a focus on multimedia learning, interactive storytelling, and digital pedagogy.

The laboratory is directed by Professor Elena V. Korhonen and operates under the Chair of Educational Technology. DMEL offers graduate-level courses in Digital Media Pedagogy and Undergraduate seminars in Interactive Design. Its multidisciplinary team includes media scholars, computer scientists, and cognitive psychologists, allowing the lab to investigate how digital media can enhance instructional design and learning outcomes.

DMEL’s research agenda covers topics such as adaptive e‑learning platforms, virtual reality in higher education, and data analytics for learner engagement. Collaborations with industry partners—including TechNova Solutions and the National Institute of Digital Arts—enable the lab to apply theoretical findings in real‑world settings. In addition, DMEL runs an annual Digital Education Innovation Grant Program that funds student projects aimed at developing open‑source educational tools.

Through publications in peer‑reviewed journals, participation in national conferences, and community outreach initiatives such as the “Digital Storytelling for Youth” workshops, DMEL has contributed significantly to the field of digital media education. The lab’s work has been cited over 1,200 times in scholarly literature and has influenced curriculum standards across several universities in the United States.