Now, think about it: if we can convey stories that heighten awareness (cortisol), give us pleasure (dopamine), and encourage empathic behavior (oxytocin), we have quite a magical potion. Powerful stories can teach us and move us in so many ways, and storytelling can also be used to persuade and inform. When it comes to understanding global issues, adopting a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle, focussing more on wellbeing and mental health, and making changes in our lives, stories can pave the way. Taking it digital Our students are digital natives, and technology plays a central role in their educational and personal lives. Digital storytelling is a powerful way of harnessing the interest our students have in learning and creating online while, at the same time, honouring the deep and powerful tradition of traditional storytelling. When we think of traditional storytelling, we probably think of libraries and books (which are amazing!) and oral storytelling (also wonderful!). Digital storytelling takes the power of narrative into a variety of forms that can be shared with technology such as blog articles, photographs, podcasts, and videos. It can even include things like infographics and graphic novels. And digital stories can be shared in so many different ways: on classroom and school websites, social media, and platforms like Youtube or Vimeo. There are so many possibilities, and you can tailor digital storytelling experiences to your students’ interests, skills and talents, and to the best methods that enhance your curriculum. An Example from Fifth Grade As an example, two grade five teachers (Michele Turner and Mark Garcia) at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, have engaged their students in a powerful digital storytelling experience that involves several story forms. They created a class website in the fall of 2021 to help their students share what they were learning about three key Sustainable Development Goals aligned with the school’s vision for diversity, inclusion and belonging. The teachers called their site Impact and began teaching the students how to shoot well-composed photographs on their phones, how to interview community members and how to write news articles. Immediately, students were engaged with developing skills for digital storytelling, and also with the class learning associated with creating content for Impact. “My students are excited to publish their work on Impact and I have seen such growth in their skills as writers and communicators as a result,” says Michele. The students have explored some challenging and complex topics and, with the guidance of Michele and Mark, have experienced deep learning and fostered community engagement through their storytelling work. Other classes have connected with the students to learn more about specific topics, and parents and community members have joined the dialogue.
Digital storytelling at St. Andrew’s is deepening a culture of sharing, thinking and caring about important global issues. It’s a fabulous example of how digital storytelling can be used in any classroom, and you can learn more by visiting the site here. An Example from Senior Students The Womenify initiative led by senior students from Luanda International School, Angola, portrays beautifully how digital storytelling can bring awareness to the needs faced by many young people. The Womenify website, Instagram account, and podcast immediately divert your attention by taking you to a space where a group of young women dive into real questions, share common experiences, and discuss real issues. Click on their posts or listen to their podcast, and you will see the power of digital storytelling in action! The stories are highly relatable, covering topics like friendships, body image, and female safety. Special guests are featured in the stories to bring in a variety of perspectives. The Womenify’s team's use of digital storytelling takes the power of narrative to a different level. Students can apply skills and take action on a real platform, for a real audience, and focus on topics that matter to them, to young people. Fostering Engagement When we as educators see successful examples of digital storytelling, it can prompt us to think of the infinite possibilities we can offer to all learners to empower them as changemakers and engaged, aware learners. Shei is an international educational consultant and coach with a passion for service learning, global citizenship and student agency. Shei’s work focuses on amplifying youth voice and guiding schools to co-construct powerful service programs. Connect with Shei on Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram. LeeAnne is a coach and facilitator for international educators. She specializes in digital storytelling, service learning and global citizenship, and she loved partnering with schools and teachers to create learning experiences that have impact and lead to deep learning. She’s committed to helping educators build changemaker cultures to empower students and equip them with the skills they need to creative positive, purposeful change. Connect with LeAnne through her Website, Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook.
CLICK ON EITHER ICON TO LISTEN TO SHEI'S AND LEEANNE'S AUDIO VERSION
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