Annika Crank was familiar with the term immersive learning, having heard about it while she earned her associate degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
In fact, immersive learning was one of the things that drew her to William Peace University. It didn’t take Crank long to begin practicing it once she started taking classes in August.
Crank, a clinical psychology major, had her first immersive learning experience in a neuroscience course with Assistant Professor of Psychology Jennifer Blush.
“Everyone did a presentation on different types of technologies that have helped us understand the brain better, and the one I did was on CT scans,” Crank said. “I had to conduct my own research and present it to the class. It really helped me with my research skills, and I learned a lot more.”
Peace adopted the immersive learning approach in 2023, when the University switched the curriculum to a four-credit model. Classes at Peace include additional time for students to work on their projects or assignments, getting that real-world experience during class time.
And it may look different for each course. In the communications program, for instance, students use various types of microphones and cameras, allowing them to see what the differences are and how the cameras work to create the look they want. Or anthropology students take a trip to a local cemetery to learn the history of the people who rest there and more about the grounds. In the criminal justice program, students participate in
“Hunt a Killer,” an interactive murder mystery exercise that allows them to put their crime-solving skills learned in class to use in real time.
Elle Corvette, director of faculty development and immersive learning, acknowledged how critical it is for first-year students to start the process.
“It transforms passive learning into active knowledge application, creating connections that make learning memorable and meaningful while building the critical thinking and collaboration skills essential for success,” Corvette said.
Before enrolling at Peace, Crank had never done a project that allowed her to be so actively involved – all of her previous classes included lectures, note-taking, and tests. Her project in Blush’s class forced her to do research on her own, make a presentation to the class, and take part in a discussion, which allowed Crank to share her research with her peers. In another class, Crank made a 3D model out of clay, applying what she studied in the class to make the model herself.
In her short time at Peace, Crank has noticed how much more she is able to absorb what she’s learning. Crank said she’s been able to “soak in” what she’s been taught by the professors at Peace.
Blush feels like this style is perfect for today’s students.
“They jump at opportunities to practice and interact with the material,” Blush said. “A great example of this is the immersion project in the first-year seminar class. This course has a focus on critical thinking, and for this project, they can practice those critical thinking skills while exploring a topic they are interested in.”
Doing immersive learning projects as first-year students prepares them for upper-level projects as well as their professional careers.
During her time at Peace, Corvette has seen immersive learning increase student engagement, improve retention, and improve academic outcomes.
“This early exposure bridges the gap between classroom theory and practical application, ensuring students don’t just memorize information but truly understand how to apply their knowledge in professional settings,” Corvette said.
Just two months into her time here at Peace, Crank “loves immersive learning,” noticing how much better she is at retaining the information. When asked why immersive learning works, Crank has this to share with anyone interested.
“It’s more than just a lecture,” Crank said. “It’s more collaboration, discussion, and sharing views with peers and teachers.”
