Service learning is the integration of community-based student projects into the formal curriculum of a school or course of study. This qualitative, descriptive study presents understandings about disability issues that seven undergraduates constructed through participation in a semester-long service learning class. Paired with same-aged peers with disabilities for 2 hr/week, students shared campus-based classroom, work, and social experiences. In-depth interviews and examination of reflective journals revealed that students used their experiences to question prior notions of the nature of relationships with people with disabilities, of the meaning and uses of disability labels, and of the perceptions about and place of people with disabilities in society. Results support previous literature highlighting the benefits of real-life experience, framed by constructivist and reflective teaching practices, in developing and reinforcing critical thinking skills.
A variety of instructional and technological advances have increased the availability of graduate education to students living in remote rural areas. This article describes three innovative practices that were instituted to enhance graduate courses provided to students through interactive television. These innovations included: (1) collaborative planning and co-teaching over interactive television; (2) combining two courses with similar content into one broadcast timeslot; and (3) incorporating on-campus Saturday meetings into distance education courses. It also addresses findings and comments of the follow up with participants.
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