How can you integrate service learning into online or hybrid courses?

1 Identify learning goals and outcomes

The first step to integrate service learning into your online or hybrid course is to identify the learning goals and outcomes that you want your students to achieve. These should align with your course objectives, as well as the mission and vision of your institution and your discipline. You should also consider the needs and expectations of your community partners, and how they can benefit from the service learning project. By clarifying the learning goals and outcomes, you can design a service learning project that is relevant, feasible, and mutually beneficial for all stakeholders.

2 Choose a service learning model

The next step is to choose a service learning model that suits your course format, content, and goals. There are different types of service learning models, such as direct, indirect, advocacy, research, or virtual. Direct service learning involves face-to-face interactions with the community, such as tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering. Indirect service learning involves providing support or resources to the community, such as fundraising, organizing, or creating materials. Advocacy service learning involves raising awareness or influencing policy on a social issue, such as campaigning, lobbying, or educating. Research service learning involves conducting or applying research to address a community need or problem, such as surveying, analyzing, or reporting. Virtual service learning involves using online platforms or tools to engage with the community, such as video conferencing, social media, or web design. You should choose a service learning model that matches your course delivery mode, your community partner's preferences, and your students' abilities and interests.

3 Establish partnerships and communication

The third step is to establish partnerships and communication with your community partners and your students. You should identify potential community partners that share your vision and goals, and that can offer meaningful and authentic service learning opportunities for your students. You should also communicate with them regularly to establish trust, rapport, and expectations, and to coordinate the logistics and details of the service learning project. You should also communicate with your students to inform them about the purpose and benefits of service learning, the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the expectations and assessment criteria of the project. You should also provide them with guidance and support throughout the service learning process, and create opportunities for feedback and reflection.

4 Integrate service learning into the curriculum

The fourth step is to integrate service learning into the curriculum, so that it is not an add-on or an extra activity, but a core component of your course. You should align the service learning project with your course content, assignments, and activities, and make connections between the academic and the experiential learning. You should also scaffold the service learning project with preparatory, implementation, and evaluation phases, and provide relevant and appropriate resources and materials for each phase. You should also create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills to the service learning project, and to reflect on their learning outcomes and experiences.

5 Assess service learning outcomes and impacts

The final step is to assess the service learning outcomes and impacts, both for your students and your community partners. You should use multiple and diverse methods of assessment, such as portfolios, journals, presentations, reports, or surveys. You should also use both formative and summative assessment, and both qualitative and quantitative data. You should also involve your community partners in the assessment process, and solicit their feedback and input on the service learning project. You should also share the results and impacts of the service learning project with all stakeholders, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of your students and your community partners.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?