Experiences using Service Learning in Computer Science

This paper describes experiences from a university faculty member who used service learning while teaching a high school course in AP Computer Science A (APCSA) over three years. In 2016 the College Board and We.org created a program called AP with We. This program provides background information on service learning and two social topics: access to healthcare and access to education. Students enrolled in this program who complete a student-selected service project and pass the AP Exam are provided recognition on their College Board transcript. This paper does not address quantitative measurements in either the course or AP Exam proficiency. Instead it offers qualitative accounts of increased student motivation and engagement. This increase was not only confined to the service project topic, but also in computer science related topics both related and unrelated to the APCSA curriculum. We hope these experiences will help motivate all faculty, K12, as well as university-level, to include a service learning component in their courses. The paper presents an overview of the APWE service program, student results, faculty benefits, insights into what worked and what did not work, and potential application to university level courses.