Making Service-Learning Work in Distance Education Courses

The presenters, who regularly assign service-learning projects in their own distance education courses, have analyzed an anonymous sample of student reflections in order to determine the major benefits that students believe they reap from these assignments as well as some of the challenges they face completing these projects in a distance education environment. Aside from sharing these findings, further objectives for this presentation include presenting participants with a clear list of pros and cons of assigning service-learning projects at a distance and a set of best practices for guiding students through successful service endeavors from afar. We will also engage in a substantive brainstorming and discussion session with the group about the types of projects they might employ in their own courses and how they might overcome any anticipated barriers or obstacles. Based on the information presented and subsequent discussion, participants should come away with a clear sense of the value of service-learning projects for distance education students, some practical advice for how to make these assignments as smooth and successful as possible, and ideas for service-learning projects that might enrich the educational experiences of their own distance students