Virtual community engaged learning modules in Canvas Commons
Presented by Becky Gesteland, Rich Fry, and Patrick Tadlock, Weber State University
Given the closure of campus due to COVID-19, the Center for Community Engaged Learning at Weber State University needed a plan for fulfilling the center’s mission. We developed four online “Virtual Community Engaged Learning” (VCEL) modules, which we made available to faculty in Canvas Commons. We researched available literature and thereby collected and/or created virtual community engagement opportunities; adapted our student leader training; developed alternative CE projects; expanded our best practices for faculty; and studied the impacts on our community partners. This project provided us with an opportunity to learn about and share ideas for continuing community engagement objectives under “lockdown” restrictions and in virtual settings. In our session, we will describe the research we conducted and preview the modules we created. We hope to expand the definition of “community engaged learning” (CEL); add to the methodologies available for teaching CEL; and develop sustainable practices for students, faculty, and community partners. After sharing the research and reflecting on the results, the group seeks input from the audience on their experiences.