Service–Learning in the Computer and Information Sciences: Practical Applications in Engineering Education

A road map for service–learning partnerships between informationscience and nonprofit organizations

While service–learning is a well–known educational method forintegrating learning experiences with community service, it is onlynow beginning to emerge in computer and information sciences (CIS).Offering a truly global perspective, this book introduces for thefirst time an essential framework for service learning in CIS,addressing both the challenges and opportunities of this approachfor all stakeholders involved faculty, students, andcommunity nonprofit organizations (NPOs), both domestic andabroad.

Service–Learning in the Computer and Information Sciencesoutlines numerous examples of successful programs from around theworld, presenting practical working models for implementing jointprojects between NPOs and academia. It provides faculty memberswith vital insight into how to coordinate projects with a communitypartner, arms students with real–world problem–solving skillsspecific to issues faced by NPOs, and gives NPOs the expertise toleverage information technology to improve the overall value oftheir services. This book:

Shows academics how to interact with local and global NPOs formutually beneficial project partnerships Helps IS students enhance their classroom experience throughcommunity service, preparing them for the workforce Examines the range of available options for service learning inCIS, especially project–based or capstone courses Includes case studies from technologically challengedregions Helps NPOs become better users of technology in such areas asmarketing, fundraising, and communications

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xvii

Contributors xxv

Part I: A Framework

CHAPTER 1 A Framework for Service–Learning in the Computer and Information Sciences 3
Brian A. Nejmeh

Part II: Organizational/Pedagogical Models and Approaches to Service–Learning in the Computer and Information Sciences

CHAPTER 2 EPICS Program 27
William Oakes and Carla Zoltowski

CHAPTER 3 Ten Years of EPICS at Butler University: Experiences from Crafting a Service–Learning Program for Computer Science and Software Engineering 39
Panagiotis K. Linos

CHAPTER 4 The Collaborator 77
David Vader

CHAPTER 5 The Humanitarian Free and Open–Source Software Project: Engaging Students in Service–Learning through Building Software 117
Ralph Morelli, Tris han de Lanerolle, and Allen Tucker

Part III: Service–Learning Projects in the Computer and Information Sciences

CHAPTER 6 Some Worked Better Than Others: Experience with a Variety of Service–Learning Projects 141
Ken Vollmar and Peter Sanderson

CHAPTER 7 EPICS Software Development Projects 159
William Oakes and Saurabh Bagchi

CHAPTER 8 HFOSS Service–Learning Case Study: The Bowdoin–Ronald McDonald House Projects 173
Allen Tucker, Ralph Morelli, and Tris han de Lanerolle

CHAPTER 9 Service–Learning and Project Management: The Capstone Course in Information Technology Leadership 195
Charles Hannon

CHAPTER 10 Service–Learning and Entrepreneurship for Engineers 213
Lisa Zidek

CHAPTER 11 Teaching Information Systems Ethics through Service–Learning 243
Thomas S. E. Hilton and Donald D. Mowry

CHAPTER 12 Computer Literacy Service–Learning Project in Brazil 259
Wen–Jung Hsin and Olga Ganzen

Chapter 13 Service–Learning through Agile Software Development 277
Joseph T. Chao and Jennifer B. Warnke

CHAPTER 14 Empowerment through Service–Learning: Teaching Technology to Senior Citizens 297
Sally R. Beisser

CHAPTER 15 Hybridizing Virtual– and Field–Based Service–Learning in Green IT 311
K. Branker and J. M. Pearce

CHAPTER 16 Engaging Engineering Students in a Development Program for a Global South Nation through Service–Learning 335
Willie K. Ofosu, Francois Sekyere, and James Oppong

CHAPTER 17 Leveraging Local Resources to Implement Community–Oriented, Sustainable Computer Education Projects in Los Angeles 357
Rohit Mathew and Christine M. Maxwell

CHAPTER 18 Using Labdoo to Bridge the Digital Divide: A New Form of International Cooperation 369
Jordi ros–Giralt, Kevin Launglucknavalai, Daniel Massaguer, Julieta Casanova, and Christine M. Maxwell

CHAPTER 19 The CHARMS Application Suite: A Community–Based Mobile Data Collection and Alerting Environment for HIV/AIDS Orphan and Vulnerable Children in Zambia 401
Brian A. Nejrneh and Tyler Dean

Part IV: Lessons Learned about Service–Learning in the Computer and Information Sciences

CHAPTER 20 Lessons Learned– Guidance for Building Community Service Projects 431
Michael Werner and Lisa MacLean

CHAPTER 21 Assessing both the Know and Show in IT Service–Learning 453
Rick Homkes

CHAPTER 22 From Kudjip to Succotz: The Successes, Lessons, Joys, and Surprises from 25 Years of Service–Learning Projects 473
James Paul Skon and Doug J. Karl

CHAPTER 23 Educational Impacts of an International Service–Learning Design Project on Project Members and Their Peers 493
Peter E. Johnson

CHAPTER 24 Is the Community Partner Satisfied? 517
Camille George

CHAPTER 25 Service–Learning in the Computer and Information Sciences: Lessons Learned and Guidance for the Future 531
Brian A. Nejmeh

Index 571

BRIAN A. NEJMEH is professor of Computer & Information Sciences and Entrepreneurship at Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania. Formerly a software entrepreneur, Mr. Nejmeh is also a consultant with INSTEP (www.instep.com), advising corporations and NPOs on their IT market and product strategies.