A group of Ball State University students participated in a project this semester that influenced the lives of 22 Muncie children with special needs.
As immersive learning projects increase in popularity and more programs are offered through funding from Ball State Bold: Investing in the Future university officials should look to the Prism Project for inspiration for programs.
Not only did this project reach out into the community and offer valuable opportunities to children with special needs, it also touched the life of at least one student who bore witness to the children's progress since the project began in February.
The children at the Prism Project and the students who helped with it engaged in a truly give-and-take experience that benefitted all involved.
The 22 children will perform various songs and dances at 6:30 p.m. in Pruis Hall. Students should take a break from the last-minute cramming to watch this truly inspirational performance. It's easy to get carried away in the day-to-day grind, but this performance could easily inject some reality into the plights of collegiate life.
Previous immersive learning opportunities have accomplished goals as well, such as getting a state pie named for Indiana. Although the group achieved a goal, the immediate community did not receive much benefit from its efforts.
Ball State needs to build on this example and continue its efforts to create immersive learning projects that emphasize the connection to community partners.
Students will inevitably benefit from whatever experience the university can come up with, but by truly helping other people immersive learning can mean much more than a few credit hours.
Immersive learning can inspire students, faculty and anyone who witnesses the end result.
Strive to create more programs like the Prism Project so that Ball State can further bridge the town/gown divide and foster a true community.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
