An Integrated Framework for Experiential Learning and Digital Storytelling in Educational Tourism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-gjefm/V2E8/2026-03Keywords:
experiential learning, digital storytelling, educational tourism, subak, community empowerment, Participatory Action ResearchAbstract
The subak system, a UNESCO-recognized traditional Balinese irrigation organization embodying the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, faces significant threats from land conversion and declining agricultural viability. In response, community-based educational tourism initiatives like Subak Teba Majalangu in Denpasar have emerged to preserve cultural heritage while generating economic opportunities. However, this site faces critical challenges: low destination brand awareness, limited digital literacy among management, and untapped experiential learning potential. This community service program aimed to address these challenges by developing and implementing an integrated framework for experiential learning and digital storytelling in educational tourism at Subak Teba Majalangu. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach over six months, the program engaged 25 members of the local Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) through four iterative phases: situational analysis, co-design of training modules, capacity building and mentoring, and evaluation. The intervention integrated Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) with digital storytelling techniques, redesigning visitor experiences and training participants in digital content creation. Quantitative results demonstrated significant improvements in digital literacy across all competency domains, with post-test scores showing marked enhancement compared to pre-test baselines. The most substantial gains were observed in digital content creation, scriptwriting and narrative design, and understanding of platform-specific marketing strategies. The program successfully produced 15 digital storytelling assets and generated substantial increases in social media engagement, with notable growth in reach, profile visits, and content engagement. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed five key themes: empowerment through digital literacy acquisition, remediation of the reflective observation gap in experiential learning, tensions between cultural authenticity and platform optimization, institutional capacity and sustainability concerns, and tangible economic benefits from increased destination visibility. Visitor satisfaction surveys indicated that the redesigned experiential learning flow enhanced understanding of the subak system and its cultural significance. The program successfully demonstrates that integrating experiential learning with digital storytelling can enhance community capacity, preserve cultural heritage, and generate economic benefits. The integrated framework developed through this initiative offers a practical, replicable model for other heritage communities facing similar challenges of cultural erosion and limited digital capacity. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary digital media practices, this program contributes to the broader goal of sustainable, community-based tourism that preserves cultural heritage while empowering local communities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Putu Ayu Sita Laksmi, Anak Agung Dharma Adi Pratidnya, Ni Putu Ina Trhisnawati Weca, Lara Hochgeschurz (Author)
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