Theory and Practice of Remote Service Learning

Designed by Chase L. Way

To efficiently structure the self-paced learning experience and ensure instructional continuity, all tutorials are divided into a suggested series of study sessions. The modules build on one another, so learners are strongly encouraged them to complete them in the recommended sequence. If you haven't yet had the opportunity to complete Tutorials #1-4, please consider doing so before exploring this tutorial.

Why should my students do service learning?

Internships are an invaluable way to help your students envision possible future career paths, as well as to build a professional network which could support them if/when they decide to pursue a service-oriented profession.

Service learning has been a phenomenal experience for many MiraCosta students in the past, and it will no doubt aid many more of them in the future. If you have the time, I encourage you to read through some of their reflections about how this approach has deepened their connection not only to their academic studies, but also to themselves and their communities. They are so inspiring!

Now, first things first: what, precisely, we mean when we use the term "service learning"? Well, it can vary slightly depending on who you're talking to. But here is how we define that term at MiraCosta:

"Service learning is a form of experiential education that partners academic instruction with community service. Students learn through participation in thoughtfully organized service activities that are course relevant and meet actual community needs. Each semester approximately 60 courses at MiraCosta College offer a service component either as an option or a requirement. Students are placed in non-profit organizations and public schools where they provide a variety of support services. These placements allow students to apply course theory in real world settings while making valuable community contributions."

As we all know, the rapid transition to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic has created new barriers for students learning used to learning in online environments. These have made "service learning" a somewhat more challenging prospect. Nevertheless, there are ways to effectively embed service learning assignments into your online classes. My hope is that by the time we have finished this module, you will feel more comfortable and confident in doing just that!

Where can I find additional service-learning support?

Any and all questions about service learning at MiraCosta are best directed to Bea Palmer, Service Learning Coordinator. You may also find it helpful to peruse this site's WBL resource module on service learning.

In addition, this page - which was constructed by the Center for Digital Civic Engagement - is an awesome place to get additional information on service learning. I encourage you to browse through it and study the many excellent resources it lists!

Tutorial Session A

Watch this video to ensure that you understand the definition of service learning.

Read this article on the theoretical roots of service learning, which can be traced back to the pedagogical ideas of Pragmatist philosopher John Dewey.
Watch this video, which explains the relationship between project-based learning and service learning.

Tutorial Session B

Watch this video on the stages of a successful service learning process.

Read this study on the theory and best practices of e-service learning.

Tutorial Session C

Review these examples of e-service learning projects and resources
- Here's a great (student created) example of a digital service learning project:

Create a brief written description of an online service project which you could assign in an online class that you are currently teaching, or expect to teach in the future. Use the four-point breakdown from this article (Pre-Reflection, Research, Presentation, Reflection) to guide your thought process. Be sure to include an explanation of the final work product (e.g. a video, short essay, etc.) which your students could hypothetically upload to Canvas at the end of their service learning project.

- For the purposes of this assignment, you do not need to worry about specifics like identifying a community partner. This is an imaginary thought experiment! Just work on describing/detailing your ideas about what you would love to see happen for your students and their communities.
  - If, after having generated a curricular idea for an e-service learning project, you decide you would like to pursue it further, I encourage you to read through MiraCosta's faculty handbook on service learning and then reach out directly to MiraCosta's service learning office. They can help you bring your idea to life!