From Gatekeeper to Supportive Expert: The Unique Implications of the iFixit Service Learning Project on the Instructor-Student Relationship

This report reflects on my experience as an instructor with the iFixit Standard Project in the Introduction to Technical Writing course at Texas Tech University. The iFixit Standard project is a service learning project wherein students develop online repair guides for electronic devices. The unique aspects of the iFixit Standard Project entailed a shift in my traditional role as instructor in key ways. My role as a classroom instructor was decentralized, and I acted in part as a project manager, professional technical communicator, and teammate. Implications of the iFixit Standard Project for rubric development, grading, and feedback are discussed. Ultimately, this experience report provides key points of consideration for implementation of the iFixit Standard Project in technical communication courses.