Seventeenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

Applying the “machines” of media production, the Internet, digital technologies, and the systematic, analytical approach of the connectivist learning theory framework, this study explores how an educator researcher can design and develop a collaborative, diverse, scholarly, open and connected learning resource network for a documentary film that will be used for humanities education, instruction, and public accessibility. The subsequent documentary will be about little known early Japanese immigrant Katsu Goto, one of the first Hawai‘i sugar plantation contract laborers in 1885 who was unfortunately lynched and killed in 1889 because of his labor advocacy and mediation between plantation workers and management. The study utilizes a qualitative narrative and historical design approach and self-study methodology to collect data: the participant interviews, multimedia references, repositories and historical artifacts about and in relation to Goto, including Japanese emigration, Hawai‘i immigration, and the political, cultural and economic history of Hawai‘i and Japan. The educator researcher’s media background, ethnic and cultural heritage, education, experiences, interests, relationships and educational practices; the knowledge generation, sharing and presentation aspects of this study; the complex nature of developing an educational and professional network based on personal processes and context; multiple qualitative data collection methods; and the creative, storytelling, interpretive nature of film, make self-study an extremely relevant methodology for this study. The presentation focuses on how the learning resource network’s design can connect autonomous and diverse participants and share examples of how the network functions in regards to information about Goto, while expanding global connections and collaborative learning.