Database Service-learning Projects: Addressing Community Needs While Measuring and Meeting Computer Science Learning Outcomes

Abstract

This paper describes efforts and experiences from integrating a service-learning project into an upper-level/graduate-level database systems course that is taught both on-campus and online. Each student analyzes, designs, and implements a small database project for a self-selected client. The final product must match the client specification and needs and include the database design and the final working database system with embedded user documentation. The project design and implementation from a curricular perspective are also presented. Client evaluations were used to measure Computer Science (CS) student learning outcomes, which follow the five core ABET CS student outcomes. Client assessment of the 152 projects over the past seven years indicate that the clients agree or strongly agree that the students effectively met each of the objectives measured (91%-99%). Additionally, student reflections indicate that students gained confidence and felt pride in helping meet a community need by completing a computing for social good project.