article

“It’s Our Voices” Cancer-Related Digital Stories by Alaska’s Community Health Workers

Authors

• • Melany Cueva
  • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
• • Regina Kuhnley
  • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
• • Laura J. Revels
  • University of Washington
• • Anne P. Lanier
  • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
• • Mark Digman

Abstract

Between May 2009 and October 2010, four week-long cancer education courses were provided for 35 community health workers (CHWs) from throughout Alaska. This project explored how cancer-related, digital stories created by CHWs supported their learning journey and provided a tool to share cancer health messages with people in their communities. Digital storytelling combines storytelling with computer-based technology to bring the power of the media to community members. End-of-course written evaluations and qualitative interviews revealed that combining digital storytelling with cancer education was feasible, culturally relevant, and enhanced participant learning.

Keywords: digital storytelling, Alaska Native, cancer education, adult education, community health workers, cancer communication, health technology

How to Cite: Cueva, M. , Kuhnley, R. , Revels, L. J. , Lanier, A. P. & Digman, M. (2011) ““It’s Our Voices” Cancer-Related Digital Stories by Alaska’s Community Health Workers”, Adult Education Research Conference. 1(2011).