The Power of Storytelling:
As a young child, my late grandfather would tell me stories about a brave young girl who always found herself caught up in a whirlwind of adventure. This girl traveled through vast forests, encountering monsters, and facing all sorts of challenges.
I always imagined myself in this little girl’s position and looking back, I believe it was my grandfather’s way of opening up my mind to thought and imagination--preparing me for my own adventures in life.
What’s your story and how will you share it with others?
The Case for Digital Storytelling in Education
Digital storytelling as described by Grant and Bolin is a “pedagogical opportunity to combine traditional and creative learning methods to engage otherwise reluctant students in knowledge/skill development”¹. In a rapidly changing and hyper-connected globalized world, digital storytelling could be the key to bridge the gap between diverse thinking, cultures, and allow students to have a greater stake in their roles within society.
Apart from being able to provide the skills to be successful 21st-century citizens and lifelong learners, digital storytelling can also provide student centered learning strategies which incorporate technology integration, project-based learning, student engagement, as well as reflections for deeper learning¹. Moreover, digital storytelling has a direct link for students to gain “diversity awareness and cultural competency”¹. This link has implications towards students’ ability to be leaders within their communities--from the development of their communication skills, to their efforts in cultivating relationships, and to their understanding of prejudice and conflict¹. Finally, and most significantly, when educators are knowledgeable and trained adequately within this arena-- the strategies outlined above can be implemented to benefit the current generation of student leaders and beyond.
References
¹Grant, N. S., & Bolin, B. L. (2016). Digital storytelling: a method for engaging students and increasing cultural competency. Journal of Effective Teaching, 16(3), 44–61.