International Service Learning in IS Programs: The Next Phase -- An Implementation Experience

Information systems programs have offered students opportunities for service learning in their curriculum through elective courses and through capstone courses. However, even though there have been numerous research studies showing the benefits of international service learning experiences, information systems programs have not yet developed these in their curriculum on a large scale. This paper provides an account of an implementation of an international service learning experience through an information systems project management course. Students worked with a middle school in Guatemala to successfully deliver a sustainable website. The course is described using a modified service learning framework. The framework consists of preparation, action, reflection, evaluation, and share. The paper also provides challenges and lessons learned. This modified framework and challenges and lessons learned can be used by other programs to structure their own international service learning experience.