This interactive session will guide attendees through an array of best practices for identifying, designing, and implementing eService projects with virtual teams. All attendees will receive a toolbox of eService resources to assist with establishing a strong foundation of eService within their teams or departments.
In this presentation, you will learn how digital technology brings opportunities for transformative teaching and learning experiences while making a positive difference in the lives of others through eService also known as virtual volunteering. eService removes the geographical, physical, and time constraints of traditional service learning to provide individuals and teams with extraordinary learning experiences. While either an individual or team-based approach aligns well with eService learning projects, virtual teams can be a natural fit. When eService is paired with virtual teamwork, students are provided with unique teamwork and leadership opportunities that surpass the traditional classroom experience. Listen to the voices of undergraduate students after participating in a virtual team eService project.
- “I learned that there is no shortage of talented people who are willing to contribute to the betterment of humanity.”
- “It really does take a village to help a non-profit run. A lot of times it is an ‘all hands on deck’ environment and people have many jobs that are all important, but volunteers really drive the work.”
- “I will seek to find more ways to be involved in the community after graduation.”
- “I learned how to work with a group and the complications that arise.”
Students report eService to be a very rewarding experience that made their coursework more meaningful because they made a difference in the lives of others. Some examples of virtual team eService projects include creating a fundraising strategy for a nonprofit, developing a social media campaign to raise awareness of a social issue, research, and creating written materials to promote nonprofit services. These are just a few examples from thousands of eService opportunities.
Attendees in this session will be provided with sources for identifying eService projects, ways to implement eService projects, recommendations for best practices, and course resources including an eService presentation rubric. In light of Covid-19, there is a greater need than ever for volunteers and more opportunities to implement eService.
Session Objectives
This interactive session is designed to achieve three objectives.
- Inform attendees of valid sources for identifying eService projects.
- Instruct attendees on ways to design virtual team eService projects.
- Inspire attendees to consider teaching through student engagement in eService.
The audience will be asked engaging and thought-provoking questions through polling software. The questions will be used to promote discussion with the audience and be displayed live within the presentation. The presenters will use the responses to relate the context of the session’s objectives to the audience for a custom and personal learning experience.
Learning Outcomes
In this session you will takeaway:
- Sources and ideas for eService projects
- An understanding of the requirements for implementing an eService project
- Best practices as well as tips to avoid pitfalls
- Instructional resources to help you get started with an eService project design
- Sample real-world eService project: Center for the Advancement of Virtual Organizations