1. Community-Based Learning and the online environment
A Look at an Online Media Relations Course

2. Establishing the Approach
We should accept 2 premises when evaluating online Service Learning

3. First premise:
Online learning does not compete with the on-ground classroom experience, and instead offers an alternative approach to the same material in a different venue

4. Second premise:
Similarly, online Service Learning does not replace or compete with an on-ground Service Learning experience

5. A new approach
In my Media Realtions course, online Service Learning requires application of new technology and related theoretical material to create effective online service

6. considerations
The considerations in evaluating the online projects included recognition of four factors relating to my current undergraduates:

7. considerations
1. They operate comfortably in virtual space, and maintain personal/private selves, so they welcomed the opportunity to create public identities for an organization;

8. considerations
2. They consider online communities valid groups operating autonomously from direct physical referents, so the nature of a distance partner is not an issue

9. considerations
3. They spend time on social media, controlling the flow of information in their immediate circles and monitoring content, so they easily created a social media platform for the organization

10. considerations
4. Their predisposition to online activity allowed them to redefine Service Learning in a virtual space with minimal resistance

11. Positive REsults
Online Service Learning removes scheduling difficulties and possible liability issues, allowing the student to work remotely and still contribute to a meaningful service project.

12. Final Thoughts
Expanding Service Learning options to virtual communities is allowing for new opportunities in the student learning space

13. Final Thoughts
Community can be defined by shared ideology and social needs or social justice issues, which are often as valuable as needs within a brick-and- mortar community

14. Conclusion
Questions or comments?