Service Learning

In recent years, service learning has become an integral part of the courses offered through the Technology Systems Department. These courses have become extremely popular among students throughout the university who are required to take a service learning course (Area of Knowledge - AOK I) to satisfy their graduation requirements. Students enrolled in one of several sections of CIS 102 or TS 105 Computers for Human Empowerment have the opportunity to teach problem-solving and programming using LEGOs, show seniors how to send e-mail and perform online searches, assist any number of organizations by developing Web sites to raise their visibility, or become empowered to share their newly acquired technology knowledge with various populations in the surrounding community.

In 2007, there were 37 service learning sections offered with an enrollment of nearly 800 students. Courses offered included:

• Problem Solving using LEGO Robotics
• Intergenerational Computing
• Web Design for Non-profit Organizations
• Computers for Human Empowerment

CIS 102Q Problem Solving Using LEGO ROBOTICS has become one of the school's most popular course offerings. This course requires students to build and program of LEGO robots to perform complex tasks. Students work on challenges which incorporate the use of unusual hardware, such as light sensors, solar panels and various motors controlled by student-scripted programs. After gaining some degree of mastery, they go out to middle schools in both New York City and Westchester to teach children how to design and program LEGO robots as part of an afterschool activity. The Pace students also support the annual FIRST LEGO League Tournament held on the Pleasantville each February as volunteers, while the middle schools frequently form participating teams. Schools/organizations partnering with Pace this year included:

CIS 102T Intergenerational Computing continues to be a remarkably successful and exciting courses. Frances Gustavson, PhD, and Jean Coppola, PhD, developed a curriculum to teach students technology, the technical needs of the elderly and disabled, and the challenges that they encounter. Students then worked with seniors at a number of senior citizen facilities including the United Hebrew Geriatric Center (UHGC), in New Rochelle, NY. The seniors saw their fear dissipate as students worked tirelessly to help them become comfortable using technology to communicate with family and friends. The Seidenberg School understands the technical needs of this population and is an active member of the Consortium for Multi-faceted Gerontechnology Research. This year, a new client was added to the list of participants - CP Westchester. Students worked closely with young adults afflicted with cerebral palsy and helped them to learn or improve upon their computing skills as well as the basics of Webpage design. One young man gained so much confidence that he decided to enroll in Westchester Community College. Participating partners included:

Also new this year, was CIS 102X IT for Strategic Community Planning. Students were taught to use a geographical tool, organize a database and navigate Google Earth and then went to the Map Room of the NY Public Library to georectify archived maps of New York City dating back more than a century. Participating partners included:

Fall 2007

•   New York Public Library
   

CIS 102W Web Design for Non-profit Organizations continues to be the most heavily subscribed course. Participating partners included:

After becoming competent with Microsoft Office applications and Web technologies, Pace students enrolled in TS 105 Computers for Human Empowerment worked with individuals participating in a number of social service agencies/facilities in both New York City and Westchester including:

On May 2 and on December 11, participating faculty, energized students, and grateful community partners came together on Service Learning Day to celebrate what had been achieved during the semester. The events, coordinated by Julia Khan-Nomee, were very well attended and students had the opportunity to present their work.

The Seidenberg School 's service learning courses provide vital services to the community through the power of technology. Students gain a sense of pride and confidence in sharing their knowledge with others, particularly those individuals who are disadvantaged or those nonprofits with limited resources, and, in their own modest way, in helping to narrow the "Digital Divide."
 

Other Activities and Events

• Students enrolled in CIS 102Q Problem Solving using LEGO Robotics provided support to the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotic Tournament held in Pleasantville in February and to the FLL and Junior FLL Robotic Tournament held in New York City in November.
• Darren Hayes, DPS, and Jean Coppola, PhD, received a Eugene M. Presidential Award and a Kenan Scholarly Research Grant in support of their effort to seek grant money for intergenerational research. Their efforts resulted in funding for the purchase of equipment for students and seniors.
• Jean Coppola, Catharina Daniels, Susan Feather-Gannon, Nancy Hale, Darren Hayes, Richard Kline, Pauline Mosley, and Linda Pennachio authored a monograph titled "Civic Engagement through Computing Technology," published by The New York Times in First-Year Civic Engagement: Sound Foundations for College, Citizenship and Democracy .
• Seidenberg faculty and students presented the various service learning opportunities offered through the school to high school students from Good Counsel Academy in White Plains at their annual Technology Day.