A service learning project for a software engineering course

Projects for software engineering courses should provide students with practical experience in developing software which reinforces the academic material presented in the classroom. These projects are an opportunity for students to gain experience working with a team. The traditional approach is for the instructor to assign projects in which the instructor acts as the customer. We propose an alternative approach in which the project involves a service learning experience with a real customer. Student feedback indicates that this approach is an effective way to introduce them to the skills they need in the workplace.