TCinGC

IN THE MEDIA

A Consulting Model of Global Service Learning

"Service Learning is increasingly common in collegiate Computer Science and Information Systems curricula. Typically students work in real-world situations, applying their skills to address authentic community needs. Students’ reports of learning benefits and positive feelings about their experiences are well recorded in the literature on service learning. The
value of project outcomes to the community partner are often assumed and less commonly assessed. Recent research indicates that partner outcomes may often be less than satisfactory, and in fact, even detrimental when students execute ‘one
off’ projects requiring resources, skills and maintenance that community partners may not be able to provide. This report describes a consulting model of service learning that highlights sustainable solutions as a key objective." 

The TechBridge World Initiative: Broadening Perspectives in Computing Technology Education and Research

"The growing demand for technological innovation to empower developing communities and enable sustainable development requires new and creative educational initiatives. Thus, well designed higher educational initiatives geared towards appropriate technology for developing communities can have a significant global impact. This paper presents the challenges and benefits of a higher education initiative, TechBridgeWorld, at Carnegie Mellon
University that focuses on innovating and implementing relevant technology for developing communities. The authors examine the potential intersections of computing technologies with education and sustainable development." 

Facilitating student learning through study abroad and international projects

"Computer science is inherently international but its effective application depends on an understanding of the local culture in which it is being used. Students and faculty need to be prepared to operate in this global environment. This ITiCSE working group report discusses why an international dimension is an important component of a computer science, student's education. It describes ways to add an international dimension to student learning and provides several case studies as examples. Barriers to international study are identified, and recommendations for how to do more to expand the international opportunities of computer science students are discussed."

A scalable model of community-based experiential learning through courses and international projects

"Partnering students with community clients can have positive learning and community service outcomes. There are challenges, however, defining and assessing curricula learning goals, evaluating community impact, and achieving significant scale, while not overwhelming faculty schedules. We present a model of engaging students with community clients that we have developed over 20 years and have used in multiple modes. Our model defines the students' roles in consulting terms, which allows us to broaden their perspective. Their goal is to help an organization solve a problem, expanding their responsibilities beyond just implementing a system. Ongoing instruction scaffolds the students' experience."