Bridging Learning and Impact: Student-Centered Teaching and Extension in a Digitally Mediated World

Abstract

As teaching evolves within increasingly digital and AI-mediated environments, educators are challenged to design learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and into real-world application. This session explores an integrated teaching- extension model that positions students not only as learners, but as active contributors to community-facing work. Drawing on experiences from food systems and hunger-focused programming, this presentation highlights how course-based learning can be intentionally aligned with extension initiatives to create meaningful, applied learning opportunities.

Through structured engagement in extension activities- such as community education, program development, and outreach- students translate theoretical knowledge into practice while developing critical skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. The session also examines how digital tools and AI can support this integration by enhancing student preparation, reflection, and dissemination of knowledge, while maintaining the human-centered values essential to both teaching and extension.

Participants will gain practical strategies for designing courses that embed extension experiences, supporting student learning across classroom and community contexts, and navigating the opportunities and tensions of teaching in the age of AI. This approach offers a scalable model for fostering deeper engagement, workforce readiness, and community impact.

Presenters