The student of the future is a maker, a person who needs to be able to critically understand the problem and to seek solutions to solve the problem. It is not enough for learners to simply know how to use a technology. They must be able to apply it imaginatively to perform a task or to produce an object that is productive. In the 21st century, digital literacy is now literacy; all students must be able to use digital tools to express their ideas.
Digital storytelling is an assignment we have adapted to give students an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and ideas using short narratives that are accompanied by digital elements that can include photos, video, graphics, music, and sound. At Whittier College, we use digital storytelling as a fun and creative assignment that helps to build digital literacies as well as prepare students with skills that they will use in their upcoming professional careers.
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Digital storytelling in education is used as a tool to inspire students in the process of self reflection writing and to aid in connecting subject matter and course concepts. Digital storytelling also helps students acquire technology skills and boosts their digital literacies. Aside from presenting in their classrooms, the students we work with use their digital stories as part their resumes to demonstrate to potential employers that they have a valuable set of skills to offer. Students also use the digital story formula to create additional presentations that require them to form arguments supported by data or to communicate their research with compelling evidence. Additionally, students will upload their digital stories to online platforms to share within their learning networks, social media circles, and on their professional websites.
We have worked with 18 different disciplines including study abroad courses. Below are some examples of discipline specific student-produced digital stories.
Also, check out our Whittier DigLibArts YouTube Channel.
