Implementing and Evaluating Online Service Learning Projects

Abstract

As online learning proliferates, professors must adapt traditional projects for an asynchronous environment. Service learning is an effective teaching style fostering interactive learning through integration of classroom activities into communities. While prior studies have documented the appropriateness of service learning in online courses, strategies for implementing and evaluating service learning projects remain limited. The authors detail implementation techniques for including service learning and provide an outline for students and faculty, as well as rubrics for assessing teamwork and for scoring final projects. Results from an implementation in a professional development seminar are presented along with implications for students and communities.