Dale Hartnett (Dept. of Communication) Mehruz Kamal (Dept. of Computer Science) Jie Zhang (Dept. of Education & Human Development)
Definition Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities (The National and Community Service Act of 1990).
AbsorbReflect Act Observe/ Inquire Community Partner Classroom Individual/ groups
Computer Science & Information Systems
T0 T4 T1 T2 T3 T0: Baseline Assessment T1: Assessment of Challenges & Plan IT Interventions T2: Apply IT Interventions T3: Observe & Reflect on Impact of IT Interventions T4: Impact Assessment
Win-win situation ◦ Students Hands on experience of working with real-world clients Enforce skills learned in the classroom ◦ Community businesses Receive free IT assistance Establish a platform for sustained IT adoption & use Appreciation of the College’s initiative to assist the community ◦ The College Strengthen ties and greater presence
Service learning course ◦ “IT for Development (IT4D)” ◦ Spring 2012 Learn concepts in class Students working in pairs with micro- enterprises Maintaining journals on lessons in each class & after each session with MC
Education
Course: EDI 4/514 Methods and Materials in Inclusive Classrooms Student population Field experience (FE) components Course requirements fulfilled in FE Partnership establishment/maintenance
Individualized, meaningful and real experience; Promotes teamwork, community involvement, and citizenship; Addresses complex problems in complex settings; Engages problem-solving in the specific context of service activities and community challenges; Emphasizes reflective practice within a real-world situation; Develops leadership (Eyler & Giles, 1999)
For Faculty: ◦ Accesses to local schools; ◦ Maintains connections with K-12 practice; ◦ Adds teaching materials: Improves teaching; ◦ Offers collaboration opportunities: teaching, scholarship, & services. For Community Partners: ◦ Service, economic and social benefits; ◦ Awareness of institutional assets.
Commitment, including time A genuine sense of reciprocity Clear definitions of roles, goals, activities, and evaluations Student preparation process Consistent & accessible communication Support
Communication