Community Historical Recognition Program as 'Digital Storytelling'

Digital Storytelling is unique exchange taking place between active learning and content creation of history. The Community Historical Recognition Program at the University of British Columbia helps match elderly Chinese Canadians unfamiliar with the use of digital resources and the use of computer technology with young students often have little idea of the rich lives and historical experiences of elders in their communities. In conducting interviews and putting together a collage of historical anecdotes, the CHRP hopes to bring together young students, who can tap the enormous potential of digital age technology, with elderly members of the community whose unique memories and stories are in danger of being lost as they pass on.

The CHRP is a three-year program of workshops, community learning forums, and family history research projects that will create new materials and preserve them for posterity. The workshop and projects are all built upon the core concept of putting together young students with older generations of Chinese Canadians and having them work together in an engaged manner that maximizes what each can bring to a collaborative process.