Knowing+and+doing+connected+via+technology

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** Knowing and doing, connected via technology: Influence of online service-learning on student outcomes ** Paul Matthews, Assistant Director, University of Georgia Office of Service-Learning [pmatthew@uga.edu]


 * Keywords:** Online instruction, technology, survey research, quantitative, online discussion


 * Conference Track:** Higher education student outcomes


 * Format:** Research/Scholarly paper

Growing interest in how components of online instruction dovetail with service-learning has led to assertions that online learning “is not only compatible with but enhances and extends the aims of service-learning” (Dailey-Hebert et al., 2008 p. 1). Despite assertions of the potential benefits (e.g., online tools may support or enhance student reflection—Post, 2008; Stoecker et al., 2008; hosting course content online may free up time for the service-learning activity and prepare students to work with particular community partners—Dailey-Hebert et al., 2008; online instruction, like service-learning, may help restructure the traditional relationships between faculty and students—Lewis & Abdul-Hamid, 2006), few have been investigated in anything other than case study reports (e.g., Bailey & Card, 2009; Bennett & Green, 2001; Matthews, 2011). Additionally, how service-learning and online instruction are combined can differ substantially based on how courses are structured (Waldner et al., 2012).
 * Summary**

End-of-course surveys (n=1290 students in 84 course sections at all levels) investigated differences in self-reported student learning outcomes in university service-learning courses with and without online discussion components. For all variables studied (academic learning, commitment to service, moral reasoning, professional skills, relationship with instructor), t-tests demonstrated a significant benefit to students (with small to medium effect sizes) in service-learning courses including online discussion.

The IARSLCE call for proposals suggests a need for research on “what kinds of programmatic, structural, or institutional factors have the greatest impact on student outcomes.” At a time when many universities are encouraging online learning, quantitative assessment of the impact of incorporating online and service‐learning pedagogies is especially helpful, and supports assertions that such a merger is beneficial, potentially providing outcomes surpassing traditional service-learning. The present study provides useful baseline knowledge about the impacts of incorporating online discussion into service-learning coursework, and serves as a jumping-off point for related future research.

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Bailey, C. J. & Card, K. A. (2009). Effective pedagogical practices for online teaching: Perception of experienced instructors. //Internet and Higher Education, 12//, 152-155.
 * References**

Bennett, G., & Green, F. P. (2001). Promoting service learning via online instruction. //College Student Journal, 35//(4), 491-497. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCR/is_4_35/ai_84017184/

Dailey-Hebert, A., Donnelli-Sallee, E., & DiPadova-Stocks, L. N. (Eds.) (2008). //Service eLearning: Educating for citizenship//. Charlotte, NC: Information Age.

Eyler, J., & Giles, D. E., Jr. (1999). //Where’s the learning in service-learning?// San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Gelmon, S. B., Holland, B. A., Driscoll, A., Spring, A., & Kerrigan, S. (2001). //Assessing service-learning and civic engagement: Principles and techniques//. Providence, RI: Campus Compact.

Kenworthy-U’Ren, A. (2008). Creating paths forward for service-eLearning: A ten-year review of the Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning. In A. Dailey-Hebert, E. Donnelli-Sallee, & L. N. DiPadova-Stocks (Eds.), //Service eLearning: Educating for citizenship// (pp. 9-22). Charlotte, NC: IAP.

Lewis, C. C., & Abdul-Hamid, H. (2006). Implementing effective online teaching practices: Voices of exemplary faculty. //Innovative Higher Education, 31//(2), 83-98.

Matthews, P. H. (2011). Online education and service-learning. In S. Clouser & C. Clark (Eds.), //Teaching with technology volume 2: The stories continue//. The Learning Technology Consortium. Retrieved from http://ltcessays.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/05-matthews-service.pdf

Post, S. W. (2008). Service-eLearning: A burgeoning field. In A. Dailey-Hebert, E. Donnelli-Sallee, & L. N. DiPadova-Stocks (Eds.), //Service eLearning: Educating for citizenship// (pp. 23-28). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishers.

Stoecker, R., Hilgendorf, A., & Tryon, E. (2008). Incorporating technology in service-learning: A case study of appropriate use. In A. Dailey-Hebert, E. Donnelli-Sallee, & L. N. DiPadova-Stocks (Eds.), //Service eLearning: Educating for citizenship// (pp. 31-43). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishers.

Toncar, M., Reid, J., Burns, D., Anderson, C., & Nguyen, H. (2006). Uniform assessment of the benefits of service learning: The development, evaluation, and implementation of the scale. //Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 41//(3), 223-238.

Waldner, L. S., McGorry, S. Y., & Widener, M. C. (2012). E-service-learning: The evolution of service-learning to engage a growing online student population. //Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 16//(2), 123-150.


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