This study investigates the immediate impacts of online Service-Learning (SL) on partner communities in the Philippines, addressing a gap in existing literature focused on face-to-face (f2f) SL engagements. Using a mixed-method convergent design, it assesses benefits, drawbacks, and factors influencing the effectiveness of online SL. Data was collected from 66 key contacts across 36 community partner organizations (CPOs) of a comprehensive university using a survey questionnaire and 11 individual interviews. Results show that online SL projects generally support CPOs' missions, enhance resources, foster new knowledge, and yield positive outcomes. However, qualitative analysis reveals areas for improvement to make online SL more engaging and responsive to community needs. This research emphasizes the importance of examining the immediate impact of online SL, guiding best practices for implementation, and fostering effective online SL collaborations that can be adapted across various countries with similar contexts.
Studies have shown that for Service-Learning (SL) to be truly valuable and transformative, it must employ participatory project management practices and is ideally conducted in a face-to-face setting. This case study aims to highlight the strategies used to make SL projects long-term and participatory. It also measures the effectiveness of such approach in achieving a valuable and transformative SL experience for students and partner communities. Qualitative results show that students were able to develop desired personal, professional, and civic competencies. On the part of the partner communities, qualitative results reveal that they appreciate the year-long participatory SL engagement with the students that brought about high quality SL projects. Quantitative data, on the other hand, indicate that the paired samples t-test resulted in a moderate practical significant difference in the pre-and post-test scores of students when it came to their personal, professional, and civic mindedness skills. Finally, quantitative results indicate that partner communities reported that SL projects brought them a very favorable impact in terms of skills and competencies, motivation and commitments, personal growth and self-concept, and acquisition of knowledge.
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