Impact of Research Technologies on Service Learning

While the effect of service learning in technology-based curriculum has been documented, it is as yet unknown what benefits or challenges are felt by the students when the technologies being applied in their service learning course lie in the research domain. We investigate these questions through a study carried out in the context of a service learning program called EPICS, in which teams of undergraduates develop real systems to address engineering and computing-based needs for a local community partner. Through a questionnaire, we study the students’ perception of the availability of resources and skills for their project, and their perception of the value add of the project to their curriculum and to the community partner. The experimental group consists of four teams that use cutting-edge research technologies in their projects. The control group consists of three teams that develop prototypes using mature technologies that are easily available in the marketplace. The study uncovered that neither group of students felt hampered by a lack of resources or skills. However, the control group felt greater ease in dealing with the community partner. It is hoped that this effort will serve to increase the viability of integrating research and service learning activities. Index Terms – Integrating research in service learning, EPICS, Value-add to community partner, Availability of resources.