Implementation of service learning and civic engagement for students of computer information systems through a course project at the Hashemite University

• Published in: Education for information Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 181 - 193
• Main Authors: Al-Khasawneh, Ahmad, Hammad, Bashar K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 19.10.2015; IOS Press
• Subjects: Citizen Participation; Experiential Learning; Foreign Countries; Information Dissemination; Information Systems; Jordan; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; Reflection; School Community Relationship; Service Learning; Student Participation; Student Projects; Undergraduate Students; Jordan; experiential learning; professional skills; education; service learning; project management skills; Information systems
• ISSN: 0167-8329; 1875-8649
• DOI: 10.3233/EFI-150951

Service learning methodologies provide students of information systems with the opportunity to create and implement systems in real-world, public service-oriented social contexts. This paper presents a case study which involves integrating a service learning project into an undergraduate Computer Information Systems course entitled ``Information Systems'' for the first time at the Hashemite University in Jordan. The project requires students to visit local non-profit and government agencies to learn about and to provide needed information systems services and solutions that are closely related to the specific course topics they have come across during their lectures. Students are required to brainstorm and suggest innovative ideas and to provide the information systems services and solutions required based on tips and hints provided by the instructor and specialized consultants in the field. In these activities, students actively evaluate and analyze the complex contributors associated with understanding problem domains, as well as designing and implementing real-world solutions. A student's achievement in this project is evaluated by their academic supervisor, their community partners, and the student's own reflections on their experience. This paper presents qualitative analysis of integrating service learning and civic engagement in this course, and highlights benefits, challenges, and recommendations for future implementation.