Technical Communication Quarterly Jul 2013

Lessons in Service Learning: Developing the Service Learning Opportunities in Technical Communication (SLOT-C) Database

Susan A. Youngblood Auburn University ; Jo Mackiewicz Auburn University

Abstract

Abstract We justify and describe our development of the Service Learning Opportunities in Technical Communication (SLOT-C) Database. The database broadens the range of organizations that instructors and students have for client-based communication projects. We argue in support of incorporating service learning into classes and facilitating partnerships among university instructors, their students, and nonprofits. We report strategies we learned for working with student interns and IT experts and strategies we developed as we worked with usability-test participants. Keywords: client-based communication projectsiterative designservice learning opportunitiestechnical communicationuser-centered design ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We sincerely thank the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication for awarding us a research grant in 2009 to build this database. We greatly appreciate Sam Singer, whose expertise in databases and Web development made the concept become a reality. We would also like to thank Stewart Whittemore, who contributed ideas in the early planning stage. Notes Waterfall design involves creating a design to which you are firmly committed early in development and letting all design decisions flow from the initial plan. Iterative design is more flexible, allowing the plan to change as needed in response to feedback. Additional informationNotes on contributorsSusan A. Youngblood Susan A. Youngblood teaches technical and professional communication at Auburn University, and many of her classes feature service learning. Her research addresses vulnerability, accessibility, and competing needs in communication, particularly in online environments. Jo Mackiewicz Jo Mackiewicz teaches editing at Auburn University. Her research applies linguistics to technical communication and focuses on politeness and credibility in evaluative texts such as tutoring interactions, editing sessions, and online reviews.

Journal
Technical Communication Quarterly
Published
2013-07-01
DOI
10.1080/10572252.2013.775542
Open Access
Closed
Topics
service learning technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (9)

  1. Hendrickson et al. (2025)
    Critical Incidents in the Expansive-by-Design Classroom
    Written Communication
  2. Tham et al. (2023)
    Examining Multimodal Community-Engaged Projects for Technical and Professional …
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  3. Batova (2021)
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  4. Edenfield et al. (2019)
    Always Already Geopolitical: Trans Health Care and Global Tactical Technical Co…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Melonçon et al. (2018)
    Advocating for Sustainability: A Report on and Critique of the Undergraduate Ca…
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Show all 9 →
  1. Shah (2018)
    The Courage of Community Members: Community Perspectives of Engaged Pedagogies
    College Composition and Communication
  2. Nielsen (2016)
    Facilitating Service Learning in the Online Technical Communication Classroom
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Hea et al. (2016)
    Silent Partners: Developing a Critical Understanding of Community Partners in T…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Walton et al. (2015)
    Values and Validity: Navigating Messiness in a Community-Based Research Project…
    Technical Communication Quarterly

Cites in this index (7)

  1. Walsh (2010)
    Constructive Interference: Wikis And Service Learning In The Technical Communic…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Paretti et al. (2007)
    Teaching Technical Communication in an Era of Distributed Work: A Case Study of…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Taylor (2006)
    Assessment in Client-Based Technical Writing Classes: Evolution of Teacher and …
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Scott (2004)
    Rearticulating Civic Engagement Through Cultural Studies and Service-Learning
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Sapp et al. (2002)
    A Laboratory in Citizenship: Service Learning in the Technical Communication Cl…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
Show all 7 →
  1. McEachern (2001)
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    Technical Communication Quarterly
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