Editor's note: In honor of the university's centennial year, The Daily News is counting down 100 days to the university's celebration Sept. 6 with 100 of Ball State's most famous traditions and figures. Check back each day to read about Cardinal history.
Immersive learning opportunities are offered to Ball State students as a chance to go beyond the classroom and apply what they already know in a "real world" setting.
President Jo Ann Gora put a focus on immersive learning in 2007 when she launched the Education Redefined plan. During that time, 16,400 students participated in immersive learning projects, according to an article published in the Oct. 28, 2013, issue of The Ball State Daily News.
Today, students in immersive learning classes spend the semester working together in professional environments to alleviate community problems for credit.
Courses have been offered in a variety of environments — including that of a business, non-profit, or school — and activities students may participate in during their time in the class may vary as well.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with students on projects that were so beneficial for students and made a difference to not only the education of students, but also with helping a business or a community move forward,” Bales said about immersive learning in the same article. “That is a real impact.”
According to Ball State’s website, there are four open immersive learning projects that students can take advantage of in the 2018 fall semester. These projects range from subjects like computer science, geological science and theater.
After completing their work, students have the opportunity to present it to the Ball State and Muncie community in an immersive learning showcase.
While there were only eight projects highlighted in the spring 2012 showcase, the program grew to include 29 projects during the spring 2018 exhibition.
To participate in an immersive learning project, students must send in an application that is reviewed by faculty mentors.
While these classes are different from the typical classroom experience, faculty members are there throughout the process to help direct students and the Office of Immersive Learning provides different kinds of support for the classes from funding and research aid to project development such as identifying partners.
Read more centennial content here.
Contact Andrew Harp with comments at adharp@bsu.edu or on Twitter @adharp24.
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