Creating STEM-Focused Interactive Storybooks: A Case Study on Instructional Design Service Learning.

This article examines how a service-learning experience integrated into a graduate-level instructional design (ID) course at a U.S. research university provided authentic, community-based learning for four novice instructional designers. Partnering with Lyon Arboretum in Honolulu, the students developed an interactive e-book with augmented reality features to enhance accessibility for physically challenged and remote K–12 learners. The study found that this real-world project enabled students to apply theoretical ID models, develop professional competencies such as communication and project management, and cultivate empathy and self-awareness through community engagement. Participants reported that the experience influenced their attitudes toward community service, clarified or inspired career interests, and fostered reflection on personal strengths, limitations, and biases. The findings suggest that incorporating structured service-learning in ID education supports both technical skill development and civic responsibility, though challenges like time constraints and coordination require careful planning.