Personal Digital Video Stories: The Live Image as Engaging Reflection Tool in Vocational Educational Training

The drop-out rate among students attending vocational training institutions is higher than for other forms of education at the same entry level (in Denmark, but also generally in Europe). A recent Danish reform has aided students, who enter the first part of the basic program directly from primary school. However, there remains a high risk for older students, who do not come directly from primary school; and there is a risk of becoming ‘school-weary’ (in its broadest understanding) in the periods between school and company practice. This paper introduces experiences with students own digital multimedia and video productions in Vocational Educational Training (VET). These video productions focused on the subjects of their future profession, and increased students’ motivation and experience of professional pride. Through a semistructured literature review, the paper then argues for a research agenda focusing on video productions in combination with digital storytelling, followed by a presentation of the digital storytelling features. The paper concludes with a suggestion to initiate research in what is identified as Personal Digital Video (PDV) Stories within longitudinal settings, while students are at school and in practical placements with companies. This may increase students’ social engagement and interest in the subject matter, together with greater awareness of professional identity, which could help decrease drop-out rates for vocational training.