Fast Company Article asked in the M.Ed./Extension Forums at UMD Q&A Forum -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clark B. Montgomery M.Ed. Extension Cohort Fast Company December, 1998 "WHAT'S YOUR STORY?" by Daniel H. Pink, January, 1999. Pg. 32-34

Summary

The title, What's Your Story?, is a witty yet accurate descriptor of the article's content. Basically, the article describes the employment of innovative techniques to spice up business communication. Initially, the author poses the question, "why does business communication remain so tedious?". Apparently the question is rhetorical, because rather than attempting to answer it, the author continues to describe the activities of several innovators employing a technique termed Digital Storytelling. Combining use of "state of the art communication technology" with a more humanistic, almost entertaining style of delivery, the more formal business communication functions move from "Corporation Sominex" to exchange that is both engaging and exciting. According to the author, "digital storytelling is more than a technique. In fact, it has become something of a movement among artists and businesspeople."

Reflection

A premise held by Extension is that effective education results from diversity in instruction -- that human beings learn best from a variety of teaching methods. Perhaps Extension's objective attitude results from understanding theirs is not a captive audience. Reacting more like marketers than traditional educators, successful Extension education often employs innovation and creativity in conveying the message. Why? Unlike their counterparts in more formal education settings, including business organizations, Extension's students are likely to walk away if the message is tepid and uninteresting. That's not a luxury students, in more formal settings, are likely to enjoy. In reality, successful educators, regardless of the setting or constraints, have and will continue to incorporate creativity in their teaching. Neither Extension or trend setting corporations hold a patent on that. Taking advantage of emerging technology only makes that effort a little easier.

Discussion

There is little question or argument that learning is an easier task if the student is motivated. Motivation is internal, external and a combination of both. Both the instructor and the student have a responsibility to generate that motivation. Employment of theatrics, gadgets and gizmos are all welcome and acceptable activities if they provide results.

# # # #

-- Clark B. Montgomery (cmontgomery@extension.umn.edu), December 22, 1998

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contribute an answer to "Fast Company Article" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- sroseen@d.umn.edu

-- Anonymous, January 14, 1999

Answers

Clark Montgomery,

Very well oranized and well written. Subheadings are very useful. excellent job of relating this to your work with Extension. It can be a challenge to motivate students today. They expect gizmos and gadgets, but most certainly see through and instructor who offers very little in the form of content.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 1999