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A Service-Learning Based Computers Reuse Program

descriptionPublicationkeyboard_double_arrow_right Article , Journal , Other literature type 12 Jul 2021 Spain Publisher:MDPI AGJournal:Sustainability, volume 13, page 7,785 (eissn: 2071-1050,

Authors: Sánchez Carracedo, Fermín; López Álvarez, David;

doi: 10.3390/su13147785

handle: 2117/349406

A Service-Learning Based Computers Reuse Program

- Summary
- Subjects
- Metrics

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions are facing a challenging situation: how to introduce concepts such as Sustainability or the Circular Economy into their curricula. This study presents how to organize a Computer Reuse Program, an educational proposal for the Reuse, Repair, Refurbishment, Remanufacture and Recycling of computers into a Curriculum and a case study. The proposal is based in the Service-Learning methodology, by which students develop technical and professional skills while undertaking a project that has a direct and real impact on society. Students work on old or broken computers provided by donors, thereby acquiring technical skills. These now flawlessly functioning computers are donated to NGOs and other non-profit organizations, thus endowing the equipment with a much longer life as well as reducing e-waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. As a case study, this paper presents the UPC Computer Reuse Program, carried out at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya UPC-BarcelonaTech. Since the program started in 2004, some 2500 computers have been donated to 359 different organizations in 29 countries, and more than 5200 students have participated. The paper analyzes the impact of the program on society, on the reduction of e-waste, on the environment and on student awareness regarding social justice and sustainability.

Country

Spain

Related Organizations

Universitat Polite`cnica de Catalunya
Spain
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Spain
Universidade Politecnica
Mozambique

Keywords

remanufacture and recycling, Computers -- Maintenance and repair, TJ807-830, Sustainable development -- Study and teaching (Higher), Computers -- Recycling, Remanufacture and recycling, TD194-195, Education for sustainable development, Renewable energy sources, Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Desenvolupament humà i sostenible::Desenvolupament sostenible, :Desenvolupament humà i sostenible::Desenvolupament sostenible [Àrees temàtiques de la UPC], Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Informàtica::Aspectes socials, Service learning, Ordinadors -- Reciclatge, GE1-350, :Informàtica::Aspectes socials [Àrees temàtiques de la UPC], Refurbishment, computer reuse, refurbishment, Environmental effects of industries and plants, education for sustainable development, sustainability, Environmental sciences, service learning, Sustainability, repair, Computer reuse, Desenvolupament sostenible -- Ensenyament universitari, Repair, Ordinadors -- Manteniment i reparació

Impact byBIP!

	citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	8
	popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.	Top 10%
	influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	Average
	impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.	Top 10%