Shutterbug: Empowering Tourism Students through Visual Literacy and Language Proficiency

Resumo

Objectives | The Shutterbug Project is an innovative initiative aimed at redefining language learning in the context of Tourism Education. Its primary objective is to enhance the language proficiency and visual literacy of students enrolled in an English for Tourism course. Specifically, the project endeavors to empower students with the skills necessary to effectively communicate and engage with tourists through the use of photography and digital storytelling. By immersing students in practical, real-world experiences, the project seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the dynamic tourism industry.  

Methodology The project was a case study conducted within the framework of an English course, an integral component of a second-year curriculum in a Tourism bachelor’s degree program. Leveraging a student-centric approach, the project began with a comprehensive needs analysis survey administered to 48 enrolled students. This survey provided crucial insights into students' preferences, competencies, and prior experiences with visual media. Building on these insights, the project focused on the creation of a photography and digital storytelling project.  

Main Results and Contributions | The Shutterbug Project yielded significant outcomes empowering students through visual media. These results include:

• Empowered Communication through Visual Media: by harnessing the power of photography and digital storytelling, students developed the ability to convey information, emotions, and cultural nuances effectively.


• Enhanced Cultural Appreciation and Engagement: Through the lens of a camera, students gained a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical facets of their local tourism landscape.


• Fostering Creative Expression and Innovation: The project provided a platform for students to express their creativity and innovative thinking. By encouraging them to curate visual narratives, the project cultivated a sense of ownership and pride in their work, elevating their confidence and motivation in the language learning process.


• Facilitating Community Integration: Beyond the classroom, the Shutterbug Project facilitated a stronger connection between higher education students and the broader community. Through guided tours and interactive workshops, students actively engaged with local attractions, positioning themselves as ambassadors of their tourism-rich environment.

Limitations | While the Shutterbug Project demonstrated remarkable success, it is essential to acknowledge certain limitations. Firstly, some students faced challenges in developing proficient media skills, which impacted the quality of their visual content. Moreover, time constraints may influence the extent to which similar projects can be implemented across diverse educational contexts. These limitations highlight the importance of providing additional support to ensure all students can fully participate and benefit from such initiatives.

Conclusions | The Shutterbug Project has demonstrated the immense potential of integrating visual literacy into language learning within the field of Tourism Education. By immersing students in practical, hands-on experiences, the project significantly enhanced their language proficiency, enabling them to communicate effectively with tourists through the powerful medium of visual media. Furthermore, the project's impact extended beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper connection between students, their educational institution, and the local tourism community. This approach not only equips students for their future careers in tourism but also serves as a model for integrating practical language learning strategies into specialized fields of study.

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