From Experiment to Impact: Next-Level Learning in Criminal Justice Education

• In Event: Beyond the Lecture: Harnessing Multimedia to Transform Criminal Justice Education

Abstract

Incorporating multimedia into criminal justice education isn’t just about keeping up with technology, it’s about fundamentally enhancing how students engage with and retain course material. This presentation explores the pedagogical evolution of integrating virtual simulations, interactive case studies, and digital storytelling into an undergraduate criminal justice program, highlighting the challenges, breakthroughs, and measurable successes along the way. What began as an initiative to increase student engagement quickly demonstrated its potential to deepen comprehension, improve critical thinking, and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Using evidence from course evaluations, student performance metrics, and qualitative reflections, this presentation will demonstrate the efficacy of multimedia-based instruction in creating immersive and participatory learning experiences.

Author

• Ellen Ballard, Georgia State University