ERIC Number: EJ1407760
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2246-0918
Embedding Digital Data Storytelling in Introductory Data Science Course: An Inter-Institutional Transdisciplinary Pilot Study
Lujie Karen Chen; Jamie Gillan; Matthew Decker; Egan Eteffa; Anjelica Marzan; Justin Thai; Sarah Jewett
Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education, v11 n2 p126-152 2023
With the emergence of data science as an inherently multidisciplinary subject, there is increasing demand for graduates with well-rounded competence in computing, analytics, and communication skills. However, in conventional education systems, computing & quantitative, and communication skills are often taught in different disciplines. Data storytelling is constructing and presenting data stories to highlight the analytical insights to achieve the communication goals to a specific audience. Digital data storytelling leverages digital storytelling techniques and best practices in communication to deliver stories that can be shared in digital formats to a wide audience. In this paper, we describe and reflect on a semester-long project-based learning pilot using Digital Storytelling as a framework to allow students to explore topics themed around human flourishing and sustainability with the end goal of constructing data stories delivered in digital or video format (i.e., Digital Data Storytelling). The pilot work was conducted in an introductory data science course at a 4-year Minority Serving Institution in collaboration with students studying non-STEM disciplines at a partner community college. Our pilot demonstrates the potential benefit of this sustainability-aware Project-Based Learning design in raising students' awareness of sustainability issues, increasing confidence in cross-disciplinary communication competency, and at the same time deepening their understanding of data science concepts. We further reflect on the significant role of an effective program model as well as challenges and opportunities for building transdisciplinary communication competency to prepare for a diverse data science workforce.
Descriptors: Statistics Education, Story Telling, Teaching Methods, Minority Serving Institutions, Best Practices, Video Technology, Audio Equipment, Student Projects, Active Learning, Pilot Projects, Introductory Courses, Community College Students, Partnerships in Education, Program Descriptions, Interdisciplinary Approach, Social Responsibility, State Universities
Aalborg University Press. Skjernvej 4A, 2.sal, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark. Web site: http://journals.aau.dk/index.php/pbl
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1915714; 2302795