Computer Science Complete Program/Application

CSCI 4911

Service Learning Essay

Service learning was definitely a lot different than other classes where I did a lot

of reading from textbooks and homework assignments. The project pretty much covered

the entire course. It was very interesting and there were a number of things that I liked

and disliked about it. Although there were some small assignments from the book, I think

the project had the biggest impact on what I learned in the course.

I sometimes have to do group projects, but this one was very different because it

was a real project for a real client. Although we were not getting paid, we still had to be

professional and maintain high standards to get a good grade and receive a good review

from the client.

I liked doing the database project because I had not used Access in a long time

and it gave me some time to relearn it. Also, because my teammates were experienced

with Access, they were able to help me with it. I also liked the management over the

project. For the most part, we kept on task and on schedule. We never were really at a

point where we had to rush to put things together and make up work quickly.

The only thing I really disliked about the service learning was that it seemed kind

of repetitive. It was mostly the same thing every week. We would meet with the client on

Friday and get new requirements and feedback. Then, we would meet on Saturday and

discuss what we did during the previous week and what we had to do further, and receive

help/feedback from classmates and the instructor. Then, for rest of the week we would try

to meet the requirements and make a presentable sample for the client. And we did this

basically every week.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience of doing a real project. It gave me experience

and helped me develop skills I have not used in a long time and will need for the future.