I think the ideal method for defining my design challenge would be the “How Might We (HMW)?” questions discussed in the Bootcamp bootleg (2016). As I’ve started down the path of creating this digital solution I’ve gotten feedback from peers that has helped to slightly change the direction of my design challenge. I realized that my current challenge was quite limited and had the opportunity to connect better with multiple areas.

The work done by Dogan and Robin (2008) show how implementing this work into the classroom helps to increase engagement among learners. In their work they discuss the inclusion of digital storytelling using many different tools. In my initial discovery phase I have seen from other educators that my initial plan can also be expanded to using different tools that may make this more accessible to be used in the classroom.

My background lies in journalism and marketing, so for me storytelling has always been an important part of what I’ve done. Without strong storytelling, no one cares what you have to say. This skill is something that should be brought to the classroom to ensure that learners are engaged and interested in what is being taught. Catherine Heinemeyer (2018) discusses the lost art of storytelling in the classroom and it made me realize that my empathy method of immersion was extremely relevant for this topic. Looking at combining immersion with HMW questions will allow the better creation of a tool that can be useful for most learners and educators. This combination also gives the opportunity to use the smaller definition questions to keep the larger view but narrow the focus to keep it within a reasonable realm for creation.

The combination of the HMW define method and the immersion work well together because it allows the opportunity to place yourself in the position of the student who will be working through that. A big question like “How Might We plan an engaging video?” is a good start with multiple other questions leading towards getting the answer.

Positive directions with questions like “HMW show our emotion about a subject” will allow the learner to think from a position where they are thinking about their feelings first. This will be important for the learner to understand so that practical solutions don’t get in the way of creativity.

Dogan, B., & Robin, B. (2008, March). Implementation of digital storytelling in the classroom by teachers trained in a digital storytelling workshop. In Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference(pp. 902-907). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).

Heinemeyer, C. (2018, April 11). The dying art of storytelling in the classroom. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/the-dying-art-of-storytelling-in-the-classroom-93088

Stanford University Institute of Design. (2016). Bootcamp Bootleg.  Retrieved from http://dschool-old.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/METHODCARDS-v3-slim.pdf