Challenges, lessons learned and results from establishing a CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program targeting undergraduate students

Author(s):  
Shiva Azadegan ◽  
Josh Dehlinger ◽  
Siddharth Kaza ◽  
Blair Taylor ◽  
Wei Yu
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeeb Nami ◽  
Virginia Bodolica ◽  
Martin Spraggon

This case study follows the entrepreneurial journey initiated by a group of undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and examines the decisions made and lessons learned along the way. Uncovering the intricacies of the process of business ideation, the case analyses the predisposing conditions that led to the establishment of the Bulb’s Station—a vending booth offering exclusively homemade food. A particular emphasis is placed on analysing the two major experiences that the partners had running the booth, namely, at the 2016 AUS Global Day and the 2016 UAE National Day Celebration at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). By providing detailed information regarding the type, variety, quantity and pricing of dishes on the menu, the reader is brought to estimate the extent to which the booth’s operation was successful at each of the two events. Based on prior challenges and shortcomings in adopted strategies, the partners are now confronted with the critical question of whether to turn the Bulb’s Station into a start-up company in the food industry in the UAE.


Author(s):  
Lori Simons ◽  
Lawrence Fehr ◽  
Lake Greene

This chapter describes lessons learned from students involved in a service-learning program in an urban school district during the past 15 years. A total of 729 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational psychology course took part in the study. Students completed a survey at the beginning and end of the course. The findings indicate that academic-based service-learning and cultural-based service-learning contribute to different learning outcomes. Academic-based service-learners develop intercultural relationships with service recipients and community partners and acquire an understanding of social disparities in the community while cultural-based service-learners develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students also appeared to make meaning out of their diverse service experiences and acquired a deeper understanding about how social responsibility is part of their role as preservice teachers in their school community. Implications for incorporating CBSL strategies in a teacher education program are discussed.


Author(s):  
Lori Simons ◽  
Lawrence Fehr ◽  
Lake Greene

This chapter describes lessons learned from students involved in a service-learning program in an urban school district during the past 15 years. A total of 729 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational psychology course took part in the study. Students completed a survey at the beginning and end of the course. The findings indicate that academic-based service-learning and cultural-based service-learning contribute to different learning outcomes. Academic-based service-learners develop intercultural relationships with service recipients and community partners and acquire an understanding of social disparities in the community while cultural-based service-learners develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Students also appeared to make meaning out of their diverse service experiences and acquired a deeper understanding about how social responsibility is part of their role as preservice teachers in their school community. Implications for incorporating CBSL strategies in a teacher education program are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 343-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinh T. Nguyen ◽  
Rebecca Hite ◽  
Tommy Dang

Web-based virtual reality (VR) development tools are in ubiquitous use by software developers, and now, university (undergraduate) students, to move beyond using, to creating new and energizing VR content. Web-based VR (WebVR), among other libraries and frameworks, have risen as a low-cost platform for users to create rich and intuitive VR content and applications. However, the success of WebVR as an instructional tool relies on post-secondary students technological acceptance (TA), the intersectionality of a user’s perceived utility (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU, or convenience) with said technological tool. Yet, there is a dearth of exploratory studies of students’ experiences with the AR/VR development technologies to infer their TA. To ascertain the viability of WebVR tools for software engineering undergraduates in the classroom, this paper presents a 3-case contextual investigation of 38 undergraduate students tasked with creating VR content. In each use case, students were provided increasing freedom in their VR content development parameters. Results indicated that students demonstrated elements of technological acceptance in their selection of webVR and other platforms, and not only successfully creating rich and robust VR content (PU), but also executing these projects in a short period (PEOU). Other positive externalities observed were students exhibitions of soft skills (e.g. creativity, critical thinking) and different modes of demonstrating coding knowledge, which suggest further study. Discussed are the lessons learned from the WebVR and VR/AR interventions and recommendations for WebVR instruction. This work may be helpful for both learners and teachers using VR/AR in selecting, designing, and developing coursework materials, tools, and libraries.


Author(s):  
Larry M. Gant

Abstract: This chapter describes models and approaches of field instruction used by the UMSSW/TAC. The chapter presents an overview of field instruction models and essential student skills; it discusses the use of traditional field instruction, use of specific student groups (e.g., Community-Based Initiative MSW students, Semester in Detroit undergraduate students), and VISTA volunteers. The chapter outlines the migration of field instruction from UMSSW/TAC staff to community governance organizations. The chapter summarizes the experience of efforts to coordinate multiple courses within the SSW and across institutional partner programs (e.g., Urban Planning and Public Policy). The limits and challenges of field instruction approaches are reviewed; benefits to community residents and the Good Neighborhoods Initiative are discussed. Lessons learned are generated from Foundation, Community Partners, Supervisors, and Students. The chapter ends with thoughts about field instruction as a strategy for community development.


2020 ◽  
pp. 105256292097217
Author(s):  
Maya Vidovic ◽  
Michelle Hammond ◽  
Jenna Lenhardt ◽  
Michael Palanski ◽  
Joy Olabisi

Two important characteristics of contemporary teamwork are working with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and working in virtual teams. Hence, preparing students to successfully navigate through the business world must include developing these two skills. To investigate learning for both cross-cultural and virtual collaboration, we conducted a cross-cultural virtual team experiential exercise with 635 undergraduate students comprising 189 teams. The exercise was part of Organizational Behavior classes at three university campuses—two in the United States and one in Croatia. Data analysis examining skills development and efficacy demonstrated a significant increase in virtual team efficacy for all students and a significant increase in cross-cultural efficacy for students in Croatia. Qualitative results point to differences in key lessons learned between U.S. and Croatian students, such as communication skills, time management skills, and intensity of the experience. We provide a description of the exercise, lessons learned, and suggestions for future use, including adaptations to smaller class sizes.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-136
Author(s):  
Alisha M. B. Braun ◽  
Betty Okwako-Riekkola

Purpose: This article illustrates the power of collaboration in the spirit of Ujamaa to build curricular materials that can engage and support the learning of a diverse group of students in under-resourced environments. The authors reflect on their personal experience overseeing collaborative service learning projects with Tanzanian partners through a study abroad programme.Method: The service learning project took place in a rural primary school in northern Tanzania, characterised by large class sizes and the unavailability of teaching and learning materials.Tactile curricular materials were collaboratively developed by Tanzanian student teachers, practising teachers, and American undergraduate students. Locally available and recyclable materials were used, such as plastic water bottles, tubing, plastic bags and cardboard boxes.Results: Examples of curricular materials that were developed are presented, and lessons learned through the experience are shared.Conclusion: The use of locally available, recyclable materials enhanced sustainability. Having sustainable curricular materials that are accessible to a diverse range of students in under-resourced educational settings has the potential to foster learning for all. The underlying cultural concept of interconnectedness or Ujamaa strengthened the collaborative relationship between participating teachers and students, and can be drawn upon to enhance future service learning and international development efforts in education.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander James Carroll ◽  
Shelby Hallman

This presentation will share the results of a longitudinal cohort study of undergraduate students matriculating through the UNC & NC State Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering. Over the last few years, students in this program have participated in an experimental, specialized information literacy training program aimed at preparing them to navigate the labyrinth of business hurdles associated with medical innovation and entrepreneurship. This longitudinal study, led by two librarians, sought to determine whether an intensive, specialized information literacy training program could introduce undergraduate biomedical engineering students to the complex environment surrounding innovative design in healthcare and medical entrepreneurship in order to improve their design projects. In addition to discussing our study’s results, we will share our lessons learned from conducting this study and some possible implications for professional practice. We will close with a discussion of the challenges involved in partnering with an academic department to conduct formal assessments of student learning, and by sharing practical strategies that other librarians can use to identify opportunities to build similar partnerships at their local institutions.Originally presented at the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) Annual Meeting 2018 in Durham, NC on August 20, 2018.


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