Developing Successful Service- Learning Opportunities for Students of Information Technology: Keeping the iPod generation interested Donna Dufner, PhD, MBA, PMP ® University of Nebraska at Omaha The Peter Kiewit Institute College of Information Science and Technology

Keeping the iPod generation interested Challenge them!

Young People Want to Contribute to Their Community. They Need Someone to Create a Meaningful Opportunity for Them Teaching inmates is meaningful for both the student and the inmate. Both groups learn new skills and develop and refine old ones. This environment is a fast-paced opportunity to learn and refine skills needed to succeed in the business world – customer focus, excellent communication, patience, and courtesy.

Teaching Computer Basics at the Douglas County Jail This course has been one of the most successful Service-Learning courses –IT students give the course outstanding evaluations –The course offers a clear opportunity to help others –Inmates give the course outstanding evaluations Most students report wanting to be involved in community service (Sather and Dufner, 2007) The course has received a lot of positive publicity

But why the jail??? Aren’t you afraid??

Jumping Additional Hurdles To Be Permitted to Enroll in the Course UNO Students must take a training course at the jail before the semester begins. So they have a pretty good idea of what to expect. UNO Students must pass a background check before the semester starts. UNO students must arrange to obtain for a photo ID card to be taken before the class begins

Additional Hurdles Continued Classes start at 8:15 and again at 10:00 AM at the jail. Students either elect or are assigned to one class or the other. Students must follow the many rules for volunteers (the UNO students) and for prisoners. They must show up dressed in business casual and ready to go. They must arrive early at the Jail to stow personal items. Perfect attendance is required.

Technical Teaching Objectives for UNO Tutors Proper handling of the computer Windows XT –ICONS –Programs –Tool bars –Etc. Microsoft Word PowerPoint Interpersonal Relationships: Bucket Filling Versus Bucket Dipping

Broad Teaching Objectives for UNO Student Tutors Build Inmate Self-esteem Teach Skills that Improve Employability Develop and Improve Relationships Between the Inmate and Family Members

Broad Learning Objectives for UNO Students Develop and Refine Client Focus Test-drive Learned Skills Improve Communication Skills Work as part of a Blended Team

Blended Student Team Gender,College, Class, e.g. juniors and seniors, Academic majors other than IT Honors, and non-honors students

Treat the students as having skills of value to give. The educator is the Senior Consultant and the students are the Consultants.

Be involved in the field work.

Provide regular feedback Discuss the students plan for the field work, e.g. teaching plan for the day. Debriefing: follow-up immediately after field work to find out what worked and what didn't. Provide written feedback and evaluations of the student’s performance on a weekly basis. Plan, plan, plan.

The Success of Service-Learning Is built on the professor’s involvement in field work.

The professor is an integral part of the team.

Now I would like to share a student project with you. This presentation will take about 4 minutes

Questions?