Beyond the Lecture: Harnessing Multimedia to Transform Criminal Justice Education

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The landscape of criminal justice education is evolving, with multimedia tools creating new opportunities to elevate student engagement and enhance learning outcomes. This panel explores how virtual and experiential learning—through simulations, interactive case studies, and digital storytelling—can transform traditional teaching methods. Panelists will showcase innovative strategies for integrating multimedia into the classroom, providing practical guidance on designing high-impact, interactive learning experiences. The discussion will highlight essential “tools of the trade,” offering accessible solutions for educators at all levels, regardless of budget or technical expertise. Additionally, the panel will explore how instructors can make immersive learning experiences widely available to students. A defining feature of this session allows attendee to “interact with the interaction”—attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with multimedia simulations on display after the presentations. By experiencing these tools firsthand, participants will gain insights into their practical applications. By the end of the session, educators will walk away with concrete strategies to replace disengagement with excitement, passive learning with active exploration, and traditional instruction with immersive experiences that better prepare students for real-world criminal justice careers.

Sub Unit

• Area XI. Methodology / 84. Advances in Teaching Methods

Individual Presentations

• From Experiment to Impact: Next-Level Learning in Criminal Justice Education - Ellen Ballard, Georgia State University

• From Concept to Classroom: Crafting Multimedia for Criminal Justice Education - Alec Leverett, Georgia State University; Mat Munson, Georgia State University

• Creating Something Out of Nothing - Kat Albrecht, Georgia State University

Discussant

• Andrew Burns, Louisiana State University

Organized by a Division or external group?

This panel is organized by Georgia State Criminal Justice and Criminology and the Georgia State Multi-media Design Team