Exploring Service-Learning in a Digital World: Reconstructing Pedagogical Practices in a Teacher Education Program

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Service-Learning and Teacher Preparation: Reflections and Rethinking Pedagogy

Abstract

Service learning, also known as community engagement, is closer to becoming standard practice in most universities. Local communities often benefit from these initiatives, however, what remains yet fully explored are our digital communities where many groups connect in a different way – through digital engagement. When service-learning, teacher education, and technology converge we arrive at DSLCoP –digital service-learning community of practice. With an eye to Communities of Practice (CoP,) (Wenger, 1998) and Universal Design for Learning (Burgstahler, 2015) focus on engagement, access and community, practical considerations for creating digital service-learning experiences are highlighted. Additionally, the value of considering critical service learning (Mitchell, 2008) and the potential for social justice integration into service-learning curricula are reviewed.

Authors

• Suzanne M Ehrlich, University of North Florida

• Christian Winterbottom, University of North Florida