ABSTRACT
From a pedagogical standpoint, internships help advance students’ abilities to synthesize, apply, and hone skills introduced during coursework that would otherwise be missed with the time and environmental limitations of classroom settings. This chapter explores a range of online internships, from those that occur entirely in the online environment to those that include online components for the requisite coursework. A rewarding internship experience depends on setting up effective learning experiences, including creating well-defined learning objectives, recognizable outcomes, time for the student to reflect, and clear communication among members of the internship team. Virtual internships or courses that integrate online learning and visible outcomes through the creation of ePortfolios or capstone projects have also proven effective in helping student interns develop requisite professional skills. Student outcomes and the synergy between interns and off-campus agencies are better when faculty advisers carefully consider the placement of interns.
