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Projects with Promise

Vol. 29 No. 1

Immersive Learning and Community Mapping: The Case of the Whitely Neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana

  • Evette L. Young
  • Julius Anderson
  • Cornelius Dollison
  • Mary Dollison
  • Robert Dorbritz III
  • Ky'Lie Garland-Yates
  • Judith Hill
  • Bessie Jordan
  • Jackson Longenbaugh
  • Khamari Murphy
  • Frank Scott Sr.
  • Morgan C. Toschlog
  • Jörn Seemann
Submitted
April 3, 2023
Published
2025-04-24

Abstract

This article discusses the preliminary results of a semester-long partnership between an undergraduate course and a local Black community to map culture and history of the neighborhood. Students of Ball State University and residents of the Whitely community in Muncie, Indiana, worked together in spring 2022 to collect data and produce maps that the community could use for its activities. Within a framework of immersive learning and high-impact practices, this article points out challenges and achievements of this collaboration, based on the observations of the students and community members, who are also coauthors of this publication. Strengths and weaknesses in the mapping process are identified and suggestions are made to improve the project and guarantee its continuity.