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The Baltimore Sun | Sunday, February 1, 2026
Experiential Learning is
About Learning by Doing in
Every Phase of Education
Colleges offer direct study
opportunities to prepare students
By Lisa Baldino, Contributing Writer
T
he expressions “baptism by
fire” and “sink or swim” have a
new meaning in education. It’s
called, “experiential learning.”
Specialized programs, major courses
of study and hands-on internships are
among the opportunities available to
students of all ages. From pre-school
play time to graduate work, the concept
of experiential learning is driving today’s
education. Believe it or not, it begins on
the playground.
Harford Community College (HCC)
unveiled its Early Learning Center’s new
playground at a recent ribbon-cutting
ceremony. The center is a combination
of sensory and cognitive experiences
that will prepare children for kindergarten and early elementary school.
It includes opportunities for both the
young child and Harford Community
College students who are planning for
careers in early childhood education or
pediatric nursing.
Harford pre-school director Jen Eder
says, “HCC students who are education
majors or nursing majors work hand in
hand with the preschool to learn more
about children in a real-life setting.”
These students can observe classes or
participate in coaching and teaching the
young charges, simulating the learning
that happens on the playground. “We
watch how the children learn, grow and
play. Outdoor play helps children to
solve problems,” Eder explains.
The new Early Learning Center playground consists of all soft, “cushy” play
areas – no metal. It incorporates the
latest technology in sensory activities,
including tactile areas, a sound wall
that echoes children’s selections, musical vibes and much more. Balancing
academics, socialization and physical
development, the center offers opportunities for these young students to foster
a positive self-image.
“The playground is amazing. It was
funded by Early Learning Center families and alumni as well as lead support
from the community, including Harford
Mutual Insurance Group, Alena and
David M. Schwaber, Maryland American
Water, and Har-co Credit Union,” says
Jen Palinkas, director of Development
at HCC. “It’s rewarding to see the children socializing on the playground.”
The Early Learning Center is open
to all students who attend the state-licensed pre-school program at Harford
Community College. Eder says success
will be measured by parental feedback
and “the smiles on the children’s faces.
We are just over the moon that it could
come together with banner partners; the
students feel part of a family, a school
and a community,” she says.
At Community College of Baltimore
County (CCBC), a new series of interactive workshops bring practical experiences to those in the deaf/blind community and their interpreters. The experience is especially helpful for potential
interpreters, who are required to hold
a certification in the state of Maryland
beginning in 2026.
According to Rebecca Minor, Ph.D.,
chair of the communication arts department at CCBC, interpreters are in high
demand. Training requires extensive
study and a 200-hour internship. CCBC
is one of only two schools in the state
of Maryland to offer the opportunity to
earn an associate degree in applied sciences in interpreter preparation.
Minor says Maryland’s high concentration of deaf residents creates a strong
demand for qualified sign language
interpreters. CCBC’s program has been
training interpreters for more than 40
years. It provides much-needed support
to the community through pro bono
interpreting services. “These opportunities ensure access at local events and in
situations where organizations lack the
funding to pay for interpreting services,”
Minor explains. Students get meaningful, real-world interpreting experience.
The new, interactive workshops will
bring the deaf/blind community to the
campus, providing benefits for both
groups. “It gives deaf/blind individuals
the opportunity to get out, participate in
activities, and engage with the community, helping to reduce the isolation they
often experience. It also gives students
real experience,” she notes.
“You cannot become an interpreter
online or with classroom learning alone,”
Minor emphasizes. “We work hard to
give students valuable experiences and
show a commitment to the community.
CCBC’s own student community gets
involved as interpreters participate in
Deaf Dental Day, which pairs students
at CCBC’s dental hygiene program with
the Interpreting students for a day to
provide free dental cleanings to deaf
patients.
After the successful completion of
course requirements and experiential
learning opportunities, Minor says 100
