"Digital Storytelling"

Engagement theory, which is presented as a model for learning in technology-based environments emphasizes collaboration, projects and non-academic focus. (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999). Home Economics/Hospitality are technology based subjects which use the elements of collaboration and creation. Hospitality is recognized as non-academic whilst Home Economics is more academically focused.

Digital storytelling is a useful tool to capture the real life situations students will encounter in the workplace. Talking to local coffee shop proprietors, filming and recording a service period, editing, critiquing and reflecting will make use of a range of ICT’s and engage the student in a learning process involving higher order thinking typified in Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy. (Churches, 2009). Students could then retell the 'perfect' story digitally as a comparison to the real situation. This would fulfil the requirements of engagement theory basics of relate, create and donate as students suggest solutions to problems identified in the first story.

I have recently undertaken a Hospitality course in the vocational education sector where the need for authentic tasks has long been identified. However the need to engage the learner has been overlooked with much of the ‘underpinning’ knowledge delivery in this sector being book based and boring. To engage kinaesthetic learners in a digital environment requires a ‘hands on’ approach in which digital storytelling can be an ideal process for the acquisition and extension of knowledge.

Storytelling is a traditional means of communicating and valued across all cultures. Digital storytelling communicates in the language of the digital native.
Cheers
Sue
Churches, A. (2009). Bllom's -Understanding. Retrieved December 14, 2009, from Educational Origami: http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/Bloom%27s++-+Understanding
Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999, April 5). Engagement Theory:A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved December 1, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm