Experiential Learning During COVID-19: Did We Serve Our Students?
Abstract: Virtual experiential learning, also known as internships, can offer similar benefits as in-person experiential learning such as knowledge application, technical skill development, and communication skills; however, this is only true when these experiences are planned, designed, and evaluated to ensure a pedagogical framework is employed. COVID-19 required a rise in online education and teaching, remote community engagement, and online career development efforts. The internship program within a Liberal Arts College of an urban University was caught up in the COVID-19 drastic changes, without the benefit of planned, designed virtual experiences. Our study aims to show, via mixed-methods survey results, the impact of shifting fully online during COVID-19 on an internship program. While results are still in progress, here we discuss the importance of this research.