Technology Talk Story: A Narrative of Tsunamis, Tools and Social Networks
Abstract: Narrative is not only an increasingly used form of qualitative research, but it also has special value in Hawai‘i where “talk story” is a fundamental means of interaction among a very culturally diverse population. Our tale continues a long tradition in the islands where talk story is a distinctive feature in the formal educational landscape. By telling stories, we preserve participant voices through collaborative discourse. On March 11, 2011 a deadly earthquake and tsunami struck northern Japan, causing unprecedented loss of life and collateral damage. Ours is a smaller story with a much happier ending. This case study illustrates how online technologies shaped a University of Hawai‘i dissertation defense as Honolulu went into emergency mode in response to a 500 m.p.h. massive tidal wave headed straight for our island home.