Course Title

Applied Informatics: A Service Learning Practicum

Course Description

This course builds a bridge between the academic classroom and the professional workplace through service learning. Service learning is intended to address human and community issues and needs through active participation of students with the community. In partnership with other university units and local community organizations, students will support organizational activities relevant to information-oriented social challenges within the scope of their major. By applying learning in a professional environment, students will build relationships, engage in self-reflection, and gain real-world professional experience that will strengthen skill acquisition. In collaboration with the instructor and the campus/community partner, students will set goals for the service learning opportunity. The course is structured around project updates and working meetings in support of a final project that demonstrates the application of Informatics concepts and skills in a practical, real-world setting, ultimately supporting post-graduation employment and lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply skills and concepts of Informatics to a service-learning experience on campus or in the community.
  • Plan and organize a project that responds to an organizational or social need.
  • Create a portfolio that demonstrates a practical expression of knowledge and a metacognitive reflection of a learning experience.