1. Matthew Lara, Christopher Tran, Jorge Zamora, Office of the Dean of Students Interns
Background
Methods
Abstract
Acknowledgments
References
Digital storytelling is the incorporation of multimedia
alongside a narrative or topic. The method has proven to
be versatile since it can be used as an educational tool, a
way to express ideas, present research, etc.
The Dean’s Research Institute (DRI) conducted a series of
interviews with current interns and alumni to acquire
feedback on the program and will use digital storytelling
to disseminate the findings on their website.
The internship program, through the Office of the Dean of
Students Research Institute, supports undergraduate
research opportunities. Current and former research interns
participated in a study, reflecting on their experiences. The
study investigates leadership development, benefits of
student engagement in research, the uniqueness of the
position, and incentives for future participants. Findings
contribute to program evaluation and future developments
of the undergraduate research experience. Moving away
from the traditional research paper format, in this study, we
present our findings through digital stories.
I. Conduct background research on digital storytelling
process and interviewing skills.
II. Design interview questions based on how the
internship experience can be improved.
III. Contact participants which include current interns and
alumni through phone calls and emails.
IV. Coordinate with communication staff to record
interview feedback.
V. Set up appointments with participants and collect
responses.
VI. Analyze responses and disseminate findings.
•Educause. (2007, January 15). 7 Things You Should Know About Digital
Storytelling. Retrieved February 03, 2016, from
http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-digital-
storytelling
•Robin, B. (2016). Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling. University Of Houston
Department of Education. Retrieved February 03, 2016, from
http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/
Results
After conducting our research and analyzing the
feedback on the surveys and interviews, we concluded
that the internship experience for both current interns
and alumni was a positive one. There are several
distinguished skills that are developed. There benefits
of the internship program have attracted students to
apply for the internship position in the Dean’s Research
Institute. This unique experience has enabled students
to interact and work with amazing staff, deans and
professors to be a part of research that impact their
fellow peers and community. Then entire internship
experience has had progressive outcomes that have
helped alumni gain successful careers with
advancement opportunities. It is our hope that we can
continue these efforts that build a stronger program that
benefits the Dean of Students and the interns.
Thanks to Dr. Audrey Sorrells, Viviana Castaneda, Sara Lestrange, Jennifer
Nailos, and the Office of the Dean of Students for assisting in the research process
and the people who participated in the study.
Interview Questions
Themes Found in DRI
Benefits
“The questions I
created to carry out the
study certainly
expanded my skillset”
“integrates leadership
development and
undergraduate
research”
“made good friends
with my fellow peers in
OUR UT
course/internship”
Skill
Development
“Project management,
team work, data
analysis, technical
writing”
“I learned analytical
problem skills and
qualitative research
methods"
“work directly with DoS
staff on projects and
programs that effect
my peers and
community”
Uniqueness
“Interacting with
professors, attending re
search seminars, and
engaging in program
curricula”
“fulfilling the
University’s core
mission: teaching,
research, and
educational excellence”
“mentorship and
support given by the
program staff”
Outcomes
“skills and knowledge I
developed will
enable me to succeed
in a graduate program
and afterwards”
“gained skills and
knowledge to carry out
research…led to
advancement in
careers”
“I am developing
professional skill which
will boost
employability”
1. Benefits:
How is/was your experience in the OUR UT
research course and the DRI internship?
2. Skill development:
How has/did your participation in the course
and internship improve and develop your
professional skills?
3. Uniqueness:
What sets this internship and research class
apart from your other internship experiences?
4. Outcomes:
How has your experience with DRI impacted
you?
Data
Conclusion
We used four common themes in our questions to
receive helpful feedback that would allow us to
evaluate the success and effectiveness of out
program. The interns and alumni shared their
experiences when they were interning and of their
present career. Some of the feedback include their
day to day task, projects they were/are working on,
interactions with other staff, sharing of skills they
learned or hoped to acquire and how they expect the
internship to help them in the future. Based on the
results reported, the internship program experience is
benefiting the intern and the Dean of Students. The
data will be used to further improve the program.
The recorded interview will be edited and displayed
on the Dean’s Research Institute in the Dean of
Student’s website for others to see. Through digital
storytelling we will reach a broader audience.
Response quotes from our participants during their interviews