Hello, we are Nguyen Thi Phuong Vy, a lecturer at the Department of Assessment, Statistics, and Data Science Education at Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Yi-Fang Lee, a professor at the Industrial Education Department; and Hsinling Sonya Hung, Director of Evaluation & Assessment at the Center on Health Advancement, VCU School of Medicine. We will share our work and lessons learned on conducting needs assessments using Digital Photovoice with social media platforms such as Padlet and ARTSTEPS.
Digital Photovoice
Photovoice is a widely used qualitative method in community development and needs assessments. It uses photography to capture participants’ perspectives by incorporating visual images and stories. With the rise of social media as a key communication tool, researchers increasingly utilize it to recruit participants and collect data, particularly in participatory research and evaluation. Digital photovoice, combining photovoice with social media, creates a powerful, flexible, and interactive approach for data collection through virtual meetings, exhibitions, and discussions, making it especially effective for engaging younger participants. Because participants may not be familiar with photovoice and social media, training on photo-taking techniques and social media platforms is essential for project success.
The Needs-Based Evaluators’ Professional Training Program Project
Our project applied photovoice with digital social media techniques to understand students’ needs in an internship program. The participants were undergraduate interns in an evaluator’s professional training program. They were asked to share their experiences, feelings, and needs related to the internship through a photovoice project. We conducted the project through four steps:
- Orientation & Training – We designed project themes, recruited participants, and provided training on Photovoice techniques. Students took photos, uploaded them to Padlet, and added captions based on the four Fs: Facts, Feelings, Findings, and Future.
- Data Collection – Students shared internship-related photos and participated in discussions on Padlet. Researchers facilitated interactions to identify common themes.
- Data Analysis – Students analyzed photos and stories, discussed causes and solutions with peers, and received guidance from researchers. Meetings were recorded for further analysis.
- Sharing & Reflection – Selected photos and stories were exhibited on ARTSTEPS for discussion and sharing with other stakeholders. A group interview was conducted to gather reflections on the Digital Photovoice method.
Lessons Learned
- Pros: The Digital Photovoice approach encouraged students to actively participate and reflect on their internship experiences. Using photos and captions in virtual spaces like Padlet and ARTSTEPS made sharing thoughts and stories more engaging than traditional methods. This technique also enhanced students’ comprehension of their learning process.
- Cons: Some students faced challenges in participation, particularly those unfamiliar with journaling or social media, making it difficult to write captions and stay engaged. A lack of digital literacy also created barriers for students struggling with the platform. Without continuous interaction with peers and researchers, students often lose motivation, highlighting the need for regular feedback and reminders to sustain engagement.
- Notes: Active facilitation is key to maintaining student participation in Digital Photovoice projects. Providing guidance on digital storytelling, encouraging peer discussions, and offering timely feedback and reminders can improve engagement. This method is valuable for identifying internship challenges and supporting program evaluation and improvements.
Rad Resources
- ARTSTEPS. A free VR exhibition platform where you can design and curate your own exhibition: artsteps | Photovoice
- Padlet. An interactive online platform that allows users to upload photos, write captions, and engage in discussions
- Photovoice Examples.Some examples of research papers utilizing the Photovoice method for evaluation.
- More information about Project
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