Service-Learning and Project Management: The Capstone Course in Information Technology Leadership

The Information Technology Leadership (ITL) department at Washington & Jefferson College uses service-learning pedagogy to teach a required capstone course in project management. The department uses students' work in the course for overall program assessment. The course challenges students to define and satisfy information technology (IT) project requirements in collaboration with the leadership of local nonprofit community organizations. Establishing this course as a graduation requirement for all ITL majors has raised a number of issues that have required creative solutions over the years. Despite these challenges, the course's focus on service to the community reinforces the meaning of liberal arts education and helps make real the mission of Washington & Jefferson College.