Hi Flora,
I can completely relate--our university, Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, is having similar difficulties. "engaged learning" is a disaster when doing classes on-line or remotely.
I am wondering if students can get involved with some of the civic initiatives to deal with the fallout of this pandemic. Here are some things happening in Chicago, for example,
1. CODE (Council on Digital Equity)--is trying to get internet connections and computers to students in the poorest and most under-resourced areas,
2. Therapists have offered volunteer services to first responders or others suffering.
I am sure there are other initiatives in your area as well--and this is all being done on-line. I am thinking that these initiatives might need some help in recruiting, emailing, setting up blogs, ect.
I do think it is difficult for service learning students to be held to their requirements this semester.
And I will say this again---so many students do not have internet access, proper functioning computers or even quiet spaces to work---simply saying our classes must go on-line is unrealistic for those who do not have the resources. We all need to take a pause in what we are doing and how we do it in terms of conducting education.
This pandemic is further showcasing the devastating inequity in our society. Is anyone paying attention? The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
On-line education should be the great leveler---but in its current state--it is not the equity tool that it was meant to be.
OK I'm off my soap box now.
Good luck Flora. Post any good ideas--many of us can share them for sure.
Breckie
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Breckie (Ruth) Church
Professor
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2020 18:30
From: Flora Farago
Subject: Service-learning/community engagement in a fully online setting
Dear SRCD Colleagues,
Our program is struggling with moving certain course expectations, such as service-learning and community volunteering, to a fully online format. What I mean by fully online is some of our classes were delivered online prior to the the pandemic, however, students were still required to complete service-learning projects, in-person at various agencies, that ranged from 6 hours to 200 hours per semester depending on the course (lower-level intro course vs. senior-level practicum course). Obviously, for the current semester, some of these expectations were altogether removed from our classes. However, as we are planning for the summer and fall, we are seeking "alternative" and "commensurate" assignments/experiences as (this is difficult to even write) things may not return to "normal" for some time. Any ideas would be much appreciated!!!
Best,
Flora
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Flora Farago
Stephen F. Austin State University
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