Miliszewska, Iwona (2009) Incorporating community-based learning in a first-year computing unit. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 10 (3). pp. 217-227. ISSN 1175-2882

Abstract

This article reports on a practice-based initiative aimed to encourage a broader understanding among first-year computing students of how information technology impinges on every facet of modern economy and society. The initiative sought to strengthen the link between computing studies and the real-life IT needs within the community by responding to the needs of The Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition (VIRWC). VIRWC required Web interfaces to help its patrons access information related to settlement issues such as housing, health, banking, language, and education. To address this need, a community-based learning component was incorporated in a first-year unit of an undergraduate computing course. Students worked in groups on developing Settlement Resource Kits, and wrote a reflective report about their experience. This article describes the development of the community-based learning initiative; outlines its benefits to the stakeholders; and, discusses the challenges associated with its development, implementation, and sustainability.

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login