Research.com is an editorially independent organization with a carefully engineered commission system that’s both transparent and fair. Our primary source of income stems from collaborating with affiliates who compensate us for advertising their services on our site, and we earn a referral fee when prospective clients decided to use those services. We ensure that no affiliates can influence our content or school rankings with their compensations. We also work together with Google AdSense which provides us with a base of revenue that runs independently from our affiliate partnerships. It’s important to us that you understand which content is sponsored and which isn’t, so we’ve implemented clear advertising disclosures throughout our site. Our intention is to make sure you never feel misled, and always know exactly what you’re viewing on our platform. We also maintain a steadfast editorial independence despite operating as a for-profit website. Our core objective is to provide accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive guides and resources to assist our readers in making informed decisions.

Digital Storytelling: Benefits, Examples, Tools & Tips for 2025

Imed Bouchrika, Phd

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Storytelling is a tried-and-tested method in education, be it by writing a book, oral storytelling, or through presentations. In fact, a study by MacDonald (1998) detailed that societies have used storytelling to teach key principles throughout millennia. Likewise, Andrews et al. (2009) explain that storytelling has been used as an information medium in education of all types, including in dentistry, general medicine, law, and business.

Thanks to the technologies of the 21st century, storytelling has taken on a new form. It has become richer with the incorporation of digital media like videos, audio files, as well as images — a method called digital storytelling. To help you make the most out of this method, this guide provides an overview of digital storytelling and discusses its uses not only in education but also in other fields.

Digital Storytelling Table of Contents

  1. What is digital storytelling?
  2. The Role of Digital Storytelling in Lifelong Learning
  3. Digital Storytelling in Schools
  4. What challenges might arise when implementing digital storytelling?
  5. How does digital storytelling enrich online education?
  6. How can you measure the impact of digital storytelling?
  7. Other Uses of Digital Storytelling
  8. Elements of an Effective Digital Story
  9. Examples of Digital Storytelling Tools
  10. Tips on Creating an Effective Digital Story
  11. What career opportunities can digital storytelling unlock?
  12. What does the future hold for digital storytelling?
  13. What are the best pathways to advance your digital storytelling skills?
  14. What ethical considerations should guide digital storytelling?
  15. How can digital storytelling enhance collaboration and teamwork?

Technology has long been used in classrooms to supplement instructional methods used by teachers. While the 1950s saw the common use of slide projectors and Cuisenaire rods in educational institutions (De Bock, 2019), today’s students are exposed to more advanced technology in the form of digital media, such as podcasts and blogs, interactive whiteboards, and mobile devices. According to a 2019 study on the use of education technology in schools, teachers also found these advanced tools to be helpful in a wide range of activities.

Technology plays a central role in digital storytelling, an educational method that’s seeing more common use in classrooms today. According to Smeda et al. (2014), digital storytelling is an innovative pedagogical approach that can “engage students in deep and meaningful learning." Moreover, in 2015, Alismail found that digital storytelling is an effective multimedia tool that supports teaching and learning while improving student motivation.

This article provides the definition of digital storytelling, along with the uses and benefits of digital storytelling in schools and other industries. The following sections also discuss the elements of an effective digital story and provide examples of digital storytelling tools that teachers and students can use.

What is digital storytelling?

In its simplest form, digital storytelling refers to the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories or present ideas (Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling, n.d.). Digital stories have also been defined as multimedia presentations that combine a variety of digital elements within a narrative structure (Digital Storytelling, n.d.).

As opposed to traditional storytelling that uses materials on physical media such as paper, tapes or discs, and film, a digital story uses material that exists on electronic files. As such, digital stories may include not only text, images, video, and audio, but also interactive elements like maps and social media elements like tweets. It also helps to optimize all the elements that you are going to add to these stories as such learning how to use tools like Audacity will be important.

According to the Institute of Progressive Education and Learning, digital stories are often presented in compelling, emotionally engaging formats. The concept can also cover a range of digital narratives, including digital web-based stories, interactive stories, and hypertext stories. In hypertext fiction, for instance, readers can use hypertext links to move from one node of text to the next.

As with traditional storytelling, most digital stories focus on one specific topic and feature a particular point of view. These stories can vary in length but educational digital stories can last anywhere from two to 10 minutes (Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling, n.d.).

Digital Storytelling in Schools

Educators in the 21st century believe that technology can be an effective tool in educating the new generation, making learning goals easier to achieve (Alismail, 2015). Even the oldest colleges in the United States and the world leverage this for their curricula. Digital storytelling has proved its potential as a powerful teaching and learning tool for engaging both teachers and students (Robin, 2008).

Moreover, teachers and instructors can also use digital stories to their advantage. Teachers can create digital storytelling to generate interest and engagement for students of the “YouTube generation" (Dreon et al., 2015). Digital stories can appeal to diverse learning styles, allowing instructors to present abstract or conceptual information in a more understandable way.

Alismail (2015) further states that multimedia tools such as digital storytelling provides students with opportunities to participate and interact in the classroom, while gaining new skills such as synthesis, analysis, and evaluation. Dillon (2014) also lists down a number of benefits associated with using digital storytelling as an educational tool:

  • Digital storytelling creates space for meaningful listening. Digital stories provide students with the opportunity to digest information in a meaningful way. This is particularly important in an age where people are bombarded with stories and information. Digital stories allow teachers to genuinely engage students in the story’s message.
  • Digital storytelling persuades the brain and the heart. Digital stories can teach students the value of emotional rhetoric, allowing them to explore new ways of acting or thinking differently. These stories can elicit emotional responses in students and encourage them to pursue topics that they’re passionate about.
  • The method allows students to showcase their learning to their peers. Students benefit not only from receiving information through digital stories but also from making digital stories that feature their experiences and learnings. The many aspects of creating a digital story improve students’ technical skills and hone research and writing skills as well.

Likewise, the University of Houston’s College of Education asserts that digital storytelling “provides a strong foundation in many different types of literacy, including information literacy, visual literacy, technological literacy, and media literacy." Brown et al (2005) labeled these types of literacy as “Twenty-First Century Literacy" skills.

Researchers around the world have also found that digital storytelling has brought benefits to students in foreign countries. For instance, in 2014, Abiola found that digital storytelling helped improve achievement in moral instruction for kindergarten pupils in basic schools in Oyo State, Nigeria. Likewise, Grergori-Signes (2014) found that digital storytelling encouraged multimodal literacy in secondary school in Portugal. Hung et al. (2012) also found that learning techniques based on digital storytelling improved motivation and problem-solving competence in elementary school students in southern Taiwan.

The Role of Digital Storytelling in Lifelong Learning

Digital storytelling extends its value beyond traditional education settings, emerging as a powerful instrument for lifelong learning. As individuals across different stages of life seek to enhance their skills or pursue personal development goals, digital narratives act as accessible and engaging tools for self-directed education.

For adult learners, digital storytelling can provide practical applications for professional growth, particularly in fields requiring strong communication and leadership skills. By crafting digital stories, individuals sharpen their ability to articulate ideas effectively, a competency increasingly sought-after in the modern workplace. The collaborative nature of this medium also opens opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and mentorship, fostering a culture of ongoing skill-sharing.

Additionally, digital storytelling supports accessibility and inclusivity in education. Individuals juggling work, family, or other responsibilities benefit from the flexibility of online platforms that host and deliver digital narratives. This is especially beneficial for those enrolled in programs like those offered by non profit online colleges, where learners can acquire accredited qualifications at their own pace. 

Furthermore, the reflective nature of digital storytelling enables learners to connect their personal experiences with academic or self-improvement objectives. This intersection of self-expression and structured knowledge-building boosts emotional engagement, allowing learners to internalize lessons more deeply and foster a growth mindset.

In fostering lifelong learning, digital storytelling’s versatility places it at the nexus of education, personal development, and societal transformation, ensuring its relevance across diverse learning landscapes.

What challenges might arise when implementing digital storytelling?

Implementing digital storytelling can present various challenges that require strategic planning and resource allocation. One common issue is the technical proficiency gap among educators and learners, which may hinder effective use of multimedia tools. Additionally, inconsistent access to reliable digital infrastructure and resources can create disparities in engagement. Time constraints and production complexities, including editing, audio recording, and visual design, can also affect the overall quality of the digital story. To address these challenges, institutions may consider professional development courses and flexible learning options such as the best online degree programs for working adults, which offer targeted skill enhancement and support for diverse learners.

How does digital storytelling enrich online education?

Digital storytelling transforms online education by fostering interactive and immersive learning experiences that go beyond traditional text-based methods. When students create and share multimedia narratives, they engage in critical thinking and develop practical skills through hands-on application. This method also supports flexible learning environments where learners can interact asynchronously, providing an inclusive approach that accommodates diverse schedules and learning styles. Educators leveraging this approach within accredited digital programs, such as those offered by online universities, report enhanced student retention and improved comprehension of complex concepts. Moreover, integrating digital storytelling into online curricula encourages creative expression and collaboration, paving the way for a more dynamic and personalized educational experience.

How can you measure the impact of digital storytelling?

Clear evaluation metrics are essential for quantifying the success of digital storytelling initiatives. Consider assessing engagement through analytics such as viewer retention, social shares, and qualitative feedback from both learners and educators. Implement pre- and post-intervention assessments to analyze skill development and improvements in critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy. Additionally, structured surveys and focus groups can provide insights into learner satisfaction and overall effectiveness. Institutional benchmarks and professional development programs, such as the online graduate certificate, can further support data-driven refinements of digital storytelling strategies.

Other Uses of Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling has also proved to be useful in areas outside of schools. For instance, projects such as Silence Speaks have allowed for the expansion of digital storytelling into the sectors of public health and social services. Digital stories from the Silence Speaks initiative shed light on the structural causes of gender oppression, violence, and poverty while demanding accountability and change at various levels of society (Silence Speaks, n.d.).

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom-based Patient Voices program also uses digital stories to share the experiences of patients and healthcare workers. These stories have contributed to a deeper understanding of patients’ experiences as well as the experiences of healthcare workers (Haigh & Hardy, 2011).

Digital storytelling has also seen use in the business sector. In this field, digital stories are used as tools of user-generated content, with consumers sharing opinions based on their own experiences of a product or service. In turn, these stories serve as a means of increasing engagement with the target audience (Barry, 2018).

Elements of an Effective Digital Story

One need not be a media communications degree holder to create digital stories. In fact, simply knowing the tools of the trade and understanding how to wield them to create effective stories are enough.

According to digital storytelling pioneer Joe Lambert, there are certain elements that must be considered in the making of a digital story. While Lambert asserts that the last thing aspiring digital storytellers need is a specific formula for creating a story, these elements can be used as a starting point for the process (CDS’ Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling, n.d.).

Point of view

Digital story telling allows a writer to experience personal expression. This is supported by Lambert’s view that all stories are personal. As such, these stories should be constructed from the author’s own understanding and experience. This is why many digital stories are written with a first-person rather than a third-person point of view.

According to Lambert, addressing the point of view of a digital story also defines specific concepts that the author wants the audience to realize. Every part of the story needs to help the audience make the realization, so defining the point of view becomes an important part of the editing process as well.

Dramatic question

According to Lambert, making a point doesn’t necessarily sustain people’s attention throughout the digital story. Stories that successfully hold the audience’s attention have a dramatic question, which is resolved at the end of the story. To illustrate, an example of the dramatic question in a crime story is, “Who is the person who did the crime?"

Moreover, in sophisticated story-making, the dramatic question is presented in a way that does not call attention to the story’s underlying structure (CDS’ Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling, n.d.). Lambert further explains that digital stories become richer and more complex when authors subvert the expectations established by the dramatic question.

Emotional content

Effective digital stories stir an emotional reaction from the audience. Such digital stories work to discover and pursue a new understanding rooted in the concept of being human (Digital Storytelling: Essential Elements, 2020).

Furthermore, according to Lambert and StoryCenter, a story that involves “fundamental emotional paradigms—of death and our sense of loss, of love and loneliness, of confidence and vulnerability, of acceptance and rejection—will stake a claim on our hearts." Digital stories that deal with these issues are more likely to hold an audience’s attention and can help authors establish a connection with the audience.

Lambert further asserts that according to his experiences with the group production process, people tend to go out of their way to support others who are willing to tell emotionally charged stories.

Recording one’s voice

The author’s voice can add nuance to a digital story and make it more personal. Various characteristics of the author’s voice, including their pitch, inflection, and timbre, can “convey meaning and intent in a very personal way." (Digital Storytelling: Essential Elements, 2020)

Lambert explains that there are specific concerns that need to be addressed when recording one’s voice for use in a digital story. For instance, there might not be enough time for the author to sufficiently practice his/her lines so that the voiceover will sound more natural. Lambert suggests speaking slowly in a conversational style and keeping the writing terse to get the best results.

Economy

Creators of digital stories also have to be economical in their use of text, dialogue, and visuals. Digital storytelling is principally a visual medium, and storytelling with images means properly using the juxtaposition of language and images to create a narrative. An author needs to consider how dialogue and visual elements work together to create a story in the audience’s minds. Working with directors, authors must also learn how to keep the story visually rich with only the minimum of dialogue and scenes that will move the narrative forward.

Due to the practice of economy, most digital stories tend to be short. Content from digital storytelling pioneer StoryCenter, for instance, runs anywhere from two to three minutes. Limiting the scope of a digital story offers two benefits: the practice makes the story creation process more manageable and it requires the writer to focus only on the essential elements of the story (Digital Storytelling: Essential Elements, 2020).

Pacing

According to Lambert (n.d.), pacing is considered by many as “the true secret of successful storytelling." A story’s flow and rhythm determines how it sustains the audience’s interest throughout its duration. Storytellers must be able to pull a story back or move it forward when needed. In some cases, improving a digital story’s pacing requires deciding which parts of the story can be omitted. This ensures that the story’s pacing is as natural as possible.

There are a number of visual and audio effects that can help establish a digital story’s pacing. Quick visual effects and upbeat music, for instance, suggest urgency and excitement. Meanwhile, slower music can suggest drama and contemplation.

Soundtrack

A soundtrack can greatly enhance and underscore a digital story, “adding complexity and depth to the narrative." (Digital Storytelling: Essential Elements, 2020) Moreover, Lambert (n.d.) explains that music in a film stirs up emotional responses different from what visual information suggests. For instance, a swelling treble of strings provides a sense of suspense, while upbeat melodies suggest happy endings.

The soundtrack is often placed at the end of the process of creating a digital story. This makes it easier to screen the story in a draft format first if the story’s length becomes an issue.

Other Elements of a Digital Story

These elements are geared towards ensuring that a digital story is optimized for more technologically adept, more modern audiences (Santos Miran, 2016).

  • Engagement opportunities. A good digital story allows viewers to interact through a number of engagement opportunities. These opportunities can include sharing information through social media, sharing comments, subscribing to podcasts, and even contributing content.
  • Technical structure and organized content. According to Santos Miran (2016), a strong technical foundation is essential to a good digital story. Technical tools that can contribute to an effective digital story include a customized content management system, collaboration tools, and an analytics framework for measuring audience behavior.
  • Visual design. Digital stories should encourage easier reading as well. This is achieved through the use of clear space and the careful selection of fonts and type size. A digital story’s visual design should also be optimized for various touch-enabled devices, different viewports, and varying download limitations.

Examples of Digital Storytelling Tools

Creating a digital story involves the use of a wide variety of skills and tools, including research, scriptwriting, and storyboarding (Ohler, 2006). In most cases, video editing software is also used to put together the final version of the digital story.

The following are digital storytelling tools that can make the creation process easier and help educators and students alike create effective digital stories.

Book Creator

Book Creator is a tool that allows users to create multimedia ebooks and digital stories. The tool allows users to add videos and audio files to their creations, along with professionally drawn shapes through AutoDraw capabilities. Moreover, the platform allows teachers to set up multiple libraries and enjoy real-time collaboration.

  • Free version: Available (browser-based)
  • Pricing: $60 to $120 per teacher, per year. Volume pricing also available upon request.
  • Deployment type: Web-based, mobile
  • OS: Windows, Mac
  • Export formats: ePub, PDF, video

WeVideo

WeVideo is a video creation tool that’s designed for easy use. The platform is ideal for all learning environments, with a cloud-based deployment that allows for use on any device. Digital stories created on the platform can also be exported to LMS software and video sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. The platform also offers educators a number of resources to enhance their use of digital storytelling, including lesson plans, webinars, tutorials, and professional development workshops.

  • Free version: 30-day free trial for teachers
  • Pricing: $299 per year for groups of up to 30 members
  • Deployment type: Cloud-based
  • OS: Windows, Mac
  • Export formats: mp4, mp3 (audio-only exports)

Storybird

Storybird is a language arts tool that helps kids develop their skills in visual storytelling. The platform curates original art from illustrators into a library of more than 10,000 images. Students can use these images for creating books, comics, and poetry, guided by over 600 lessons, quizzes, and writing prompts from experienced educators and authors. More than 5 million stories have been created on the platform, making Storybird one of the largest storytelling communities in the world (Andres & Poler, 2017).

  • Free version: None available
  • Pricing: $4.99 per month (individual yearly plan)
  • Deployment type: cloud-based
  • OS: Windows, Mac
  • Export formats: PDF

Storyboard That

With over 14 million storyboards created on the platform, Storyboard That is one of the more well-known digital story tools today. Storyboard That offers versatile features that can help educators create content and manage learning in the classroom. The platform allows teachers to use a drag-and-drop interface for creating storyboards and comic strips that help boost student engagement.

  • Free version: Available
  • Pricing: StoryBoard That for Teachers starts at $8.99 per month for single teacher pricing.
  • Deployment type: Web-based
  • OS: Windows, Mac
  • Export formats: .zip, .png, .gif, .ppt, PDF

Anchor

Anchor is a platform for creating and distributing podcasts for free. The app can capture audio from mobile devices or desktop computers and provides a wide variety of tools for editing these recordings. Users can import existing audio or video and convert video files into audio or vice versa. Users can also add sound effects and background tracks from Anchor’s library.

  • Free version: Available
  • Pricing: n/a
  • Deployment type: Web-based, mobile
  • OS: Android, iOS
  • Export formats: mp3, m4a, wav, mpg

FlexClip

image1.png

FlexClip is a versatile video creation tool tailored for effortless usage. Perfectly suited for various learning environments, it operates via cloud-based deployment, ensuring accessibility across all devices. With FlexClip, crafting engaging digital narratives is a breeze. Educators will find an array of resources at their disposal, including lesson plans, webinars, tutorials, and professional development workshops, all geared toward enhancing digital storytelling proficiency.

  • Free Plan: A completely free plan.
  • Pricing: Start from $9.99/month if billed annually.
  • Deployment type: cloud-based
  • OS: Windows and Mac.
  • Export Formats: MP4, MP3, GIF.

Tips on Creating an Effective Digital Story

Digital stories prove to be effective educational tools in a wide variety of environments. As explained above, there are a number of tools that can help with the creation of digital stories, whether these stories are ebooks, podcasts, or videos. Below are some tips that can help make the creation process easier. Keep in mind, however, that one of the best ways to learn is by studying digital storytelling examples that you like. You can emulate their style and technique until you can find your own voice.

  • Start with the right idea and scope. For digital storytelling, Lasica (2010) recommends thinking small. It is best to focus on one type of story; this can prevent creators from being caught in conveying all the aspects of someone’s life, for instance. Ideally, the output will be a three to five-minute work that reveals a small, personal truth.
  • Show instead of telling. Creators must keep this in mind when writing the script. The script must be written economically, with observations instead of inferences (Orech, 2007). For instance, instead of telling the audience what they are feeling, an effective narrator instead shows emotions through body language.
  • Less is more when it comes to visual effects. While these visual effects can convey relationships between ideas, creators should keep in mind that effects should serve to enhance the story. The overuse of visual effects such as transitions and panning effects can distract from the narrative and the story itself (Orech, 2007).

What career opportunities can digital storytelling unlock?

Digital storytelling skills are increasingly valued across creative and technology-driven industries, opening avenues in multimedia production, digital marketing, and content creation. These competencies offer professionals an edge in roles that demand strong visual communication and narrative expertise, paving the way for positions in advertising, corporate communication, and e-learning development. Furthermore, the integration of digital storytelling techniques can complement vocational training in technical fields, as evidenced by emerging opportunities in sectors like the best trades to get into 2025, thereby enhancing career versatility and industry innovation.

What does the future hold for digital storytelling?

Emerging trends such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI-driven editing are redefining digital storytelling’s scope. Next-generation narratives will integrate adaptive content and immersive experiences that adjust in real time to audience feedback. These technological evolutions promise enhanced personalization, improved interactivity, and the ability to track user engagement more precisely. Industry professionals can broaden their skills and stay ahead by exploring innovative learning pathways, including accelerated bachelor's degree programs, that combine theory with practical application. Future developments are expected to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and global partnerships, solidifying digital storytelling as a pivotal tool for both education and enterprise.

What are the best pathways to advance your digital storytelling skills?

Digital storytelling expertise can be acquired by combining formal education with real-world practice. Focusing on targeted learning pathways—such as specialized workshops, certification courses, and academic programs—enhances both narrative depth and technical proficiency. For example, exploring options like the cheapest associate degree online can provide an economical entry point to foundational digital communication skills. This approach not only sharpens creative capabilities but also facilitates staying updated with evolving multimedia production techniques.

What ethical considerations should guide digital storytelling?

Digital storytelling requires adherence to ethical standards to ensure integrity, fairness, and respect for all stakeholders. Key considerations include obtaining proper permissions for multimedia content, respecting copyright laws, and ensuring the accurate representation of subjects. Protecting personal data and maintaining transparency about sources and techniques are vital when stories involve real experiences. Additionally, creators must balance creative expression with social responsibility by avoiding bias and promoting inclusive narratives. Exploring educational paths, such as an accelerated degree program, can provide structured insights into maintaining ethical standards in digital storytelling.

How can digital storytelling enhance collaboration and teamwork?

Digital storytelling offers a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and teamwork, especially in educational and professional environments. While digital storytelling is often viewed as a personal or individual endeavor, it can also be used as a tool to enhance group dynamics and develop key collaborative skills.

  • Team-based content creation: In a collaborative digital storytelling project, team members can divide roles, such as scriptwriting, video editing, voice recording, and graphic design. This allows students or colleagues to leverage their unique skills and contribute to the overall project.
  • Improves communication skills: Collaboration in digital storytelling encourages effective communication. Team members need to express their ideas clearly, share feedback, and make collective decisions about the story’s direction, ensuring everyone’s input is valued.
  • Fosters creativity through brainstorming: Working together on a story generates creative synergy. Collaborative brainstorming sessions often lead to innovative ideas that may not emerge when working alone. Groups can explore multiple perspectives and enrich the storytelling process.
  • Enhances problem-solving skills: Digital storytelling projects often require problem-solving, such as deciding how to effectively convey an emotion or resolve a technical issue. Collaboration allows team members to pool their knowledge and come up with solutions together.
  • Develops project management abilities: Larger digital storytelling projects require organization and time management. Team members must coordinate schedules, set deadlines, and manage tasks, skills essential for future academic or workplace projects.

Key Insights

  • Integration of Technology: Digital storytelling leverages 21st-century technologies such as videos, audio files, and images to enhance traditional storytelling methods.
  • Educational Value: Digital storytelling is a powerful tool in education, proven to engage students and improve their motivation and learning outcomes.
  • Multimedia Elements: Effective digital stories combine text, images, video, audio, and interactive elements like maps and social media content to create a compelling narrative.
  • Emotional Engagement: Digital stories that evoke emotional responses are more likely to connect with audiences and hold their attention.
  • Skill Development: Creating digital stories helps students develop a range of skills, including technical abilities, research, writing, and critical thinking.
  • Global Impact: Digital storytelling has shown benefits across various countries and educational levels, from kindergarten to higher education.
  • Beyond Education: Digital storytelling is also used in public health, social services, and business to convey important messages and engage audiences.
  • Effective Elements: Key elements of a successful digital story include a clear point of view, a dramatic question, emotional content, the author's voice, economy, pacing, and a strong soundtrack.
  • Tools and Accessibility: Various tools, such as Book Creator, WeVideo, and Storybird, make digital storytelling accessible and manageable for both educators and students.

FAQ

1. What is digital storytelling?

Digital storytelling refers to the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories or present ideas. It combines multimedia elements such as text, images, video, audio, and interactive content within a narrative structure.

2. How is digital storytelling used in education?

In education, digital storytelling engages students in deep and meaningful learning, improves motivation, and helps develop various literacy skills. It allows teachers to present information in an understandable way and helps students showcase their learning through creative projects.

3. What are the benefits of digital storytelling in schools?

Benefits include creating space for meaningful listening, persuading both the brain and the heart, allowing students to showcase their learning, and developing 21st-century literacy skills such as information, visual, technological, and media literacy.

4. Can digital storytelling be used outside of education?

Yes, digital storytelling is also used in public health, social services, and business sectors. For example, initiatives like Silence Speaks and Patient Voices use digital stories to highlight social issues and improve understanding of patient experiences.

5. What are the essential elements of an effective digital story?

Essential elements include a clear point of view, a dramatic question, emotional content, the author's voice, economy (using text and visuals efficiently), proper pacing, and a suitable soundtrack.

6. What tools can be used for creating digital stories?

Some popular tools for creating digital stories include Book Creator, WeVideo, Storybird, Storyboard That, Anchor, and FlexClip. These tools offer various features to help educators and students create compelling digital narratives.

7. How does digital storytelling improve student skills?

Creating digital stories helps students develop technical skills, research abilities, writing proficiency, critical thinking, and creativity. It also enhances their ability to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate information.

8. What are some tips for creating an effective digital story?

Start with a focused idea, show instead of tell, and use visual effects sparingly. Ensure that the narrative is clear and engaging, and use multimedia elements to enhance, not distract from, the story.

9. How long should a digital story be?

Educational digital stories typically last between two to 10 minutes. Keeping the story concise helps maintain the audience's attention and ensures that the narrative remains focused and impactful.

10. How can digital storytelling be adapted for different subjects?

Digital storytelling can be adapted for various subjects by tailoring the content and multimedia elements to fit the specific topic. For example, in history classes, digital stories can include historical images and videos, while in science, they can feature diagrams and experiments.

References:

  • Abiola, L. L. (2014). The effect of digital storytelling on kindergarten pupils’ achievement in moral instruction in basic schools in Oyo State. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, 4(5), 26-34. IOSR-JRME
  • Andres, B., & Poler, R. (2017). Storyboard tools for university and education research projects. INTED proceedings (Online), 220-227. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2017.0173
  • Andrews, D. H., Hull, T. D., & Donahue, J. A. (2009). Storytelling as an instructional method: Descriptions and research questions. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 3 (2), 6-28. ResearchGate
  • Alismail, H. A. (2015). Integrate digital storytelling in education. Journal of Education and Practice, (9), 126-129. ERIC
  • Barry, A. (2018, December 20). The complete marketer’s guide to digital storytelling. Cortex
  • Brown, J., Bryan, J., & Brown, T. (2005). Twenty-first century literacy and technology in K-8 classrooms. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, (3). LearnTechLib
  • Sullivan, B. (n.d.). CDS’ seven elements of digital storytelling. Suffield Academy.
  • De Bock, D. (2019). Georges Cuisenaire’s numbers in colorA teaching aid that survived the 1950s. In 6th International Conference on the History of Mathematics Education (ICHME6, Date: 2019/09/16-2019/09/20, Marseille, Francehttps://doi.org/10.37626/GA9783959871686.0.27
  • Dreon, O., Kerper, R. M., & Landis, J. (2011). Digital storytelling: A tool for teaching and learning in the YouTube generation. Middle School Journal, 42 (5), 4-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/00940771.2011.11461777
  • COE Digital Storytelling (n.d.). What is digital storytelling. Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling. Houston, TX: University of Houston.
  • UOW (n.d.). Digital storytelling. Wollongong, NSW: University of Wollongong-Australia.
  • Beverly, I. (2020, June 23). Digital storytelling: Essential elements. LibGuides at Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library. Atlanta, GA: Atlanta University Center.
  • Haigh, C., & Hardy, P. (2011). Tell me a story—a conceptual exploration of storytelling in healthcare education. Nurse Education Today, 31 (4), 408-411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2010.08.001
  • Hung, C. M., Hwang, G. J., & Huang, I. (2012). A project-based digital storytelling approach for improving students’ learning motivation, problem-solving competence and learning achievement. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 15(4), 368-379. https://www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.15.4.368
  • Lasica, J. (2014, September 23). Digital storytelling: A tutorial in 10 easy steps. Socialbrite.
  • MacDonald, M. R. (Ed.). (1998). Traditional Storytelling Today: An International Sourcebook. Chicago, IL: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers. Google Books
  • Ohler, J. (2006). The world of digital storytelling. Educational Leadership, 63 (4), 44-47. ASCD
  • Orech, J. (2007, November 1). Tips for digital storytelling. TechLearningMagazine.
  • Robin, B. R. (2008). Digital storytelling: A powerful technology tool for the 21st century classroom. Theory Into Practice, 47 (3), 220-228. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405840802153916
  • Santos Miran, V. (2016, February 24). Five elements of a good digital story. mStoner.
  • Signes, C. G. (2014). Digital storytelling and multimodal literacy in education. Porta Linguarum: Revista Internacional de Didactica de las Lenguas Extranjeras, (22), 237-250. Dialnet
  • StoryCenter (n.d.). Silence speaks. StoryCenter.
  • IPEL (n.d.). Screencasting & Digital Storytelling. Sta. Rosa, CA: Institute of Progressive Education and Learning.
  • Smeda, N., Dakich, E., & Sharda, N. (2014). The effectiveness of digital storytelling in the classrooms: a comprehensive study. Smart Learning Environments, (1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-014-0006-3

Related Articles

How Much Do College Applications Cost? Tips on How to Save on Costs for 2025 thumbnail
Best Social Work Scholarships for 2025 thumbnail
Education SEP 15, 2025

Best Social Work Scholarships for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
80 Icebreaker Questions for Work, College and High School Students for 2025 thumbnail
Good Metaphors for Writing Essays for 2025 (With Examples) thumbnail
Education SEP 19, 2025

Good Metaphors for Writing Essays for 2025 (With Examples)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Student Rights at School: Freedom of Speech, Dress Code & Privacy for 2025 thumbnail
How Google Conquered the Classroom: The Googlification of Schools Worldwide for 2025 thumbnail

Newsletter & Conference Alerts

Research.com uses the information to contact you about our relevant content.
For more information, check out our privacy policy.

Newsletter confirmation

Thank you for subscribing!

Confirmation email sent. Please click the link in the email to confirm your subscription.