Distance Learning: Community-Based Service Learning Partnerships

Meryl S. McNeal, PhD
Morehouse School of Medicine Director, Center for Community Health and Service Learning
Associate Professor, Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine

This session will provide definitions for service learning and community based service learning. It will include ideas on how communities can benefit from service learning partnerships, what communities can expect from service learning students and the pros and cons of service learning programs.

Examples of projects designed to meet community needs will be shared.

Session Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define Service Learning and will be able to list four components of quality service learning and community based service learning programs.
2. Define the Morehouse School of Medicine model of service learning, community based service learning and civic engagement.
3. List benefits of partnering with schools and universities to meet community needs through service learning projects.
4. List several ways that service learning programs can assist AHECs programs to meet their goals and objectives.

Participants registering for programs should have access to the following technology for best viewing and participation:

• Personal computer with Macintosh or Windows with 512 MB of RAM
• Broadband internet connection such as an office LAN, DSL, or cable modem
• Phone next to personal computer (or speaker phone if multiple people are viewing)
• Computer speakers (built-in or attached)
• Latest version of Adobe Flash which can be downloaded for free at http://www.adobe.com