Abstract
In recent years the use of new technologies in educational systems has increased
worldwide as digital cameras, personal computers, scanners, and easy-to-use software
have become available to educators to harness the digital world. The impact of new
technologies in educational contexts has been mostly positive as new technologies
have given educators the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills, and therefore
enhance the standard of education. Researchers have found that student engagement,
achievement and motivation are enhanced through integration of such technologies.
However, education systems still face many challenges: one of these challenges is how
to enhance student engagement to provide better educational outcomes. It has
become increasingly important to use innovative pedagogical models to engage
learners. Digital storytelling is one of the innovative pedagogical approaches that can
engage students in deep and meaningful learning. This research project aimed to
create a constructivist learning environment with digital storytelling. The research
investigated the pedagogical aspects of digital storytelling and the impact of digital
storytelling on student learning when teachers and students use digital stories.
A multi-site case study was conducted in one Australian school at primary and secondary
levels. In selected classrooms, students and teachers had the opportunity to engage in
innovative learning experiences based on digital storytelling. In order to enhance the
reliability and validity of the research, multiple methods of data collection and analysis
were used. Data was collected with qualitative and quantitative methods. An evaluation
rubric was used to collect quantitative data, while interviews and observation were used
to collect qualitative data. Data collection was guided by amixed methods research
design in order to evaluate if and how digital storytelling enhances teaching and learning
outcomes.
The findings from this study suggest that digital storytelling is a powerful tool to integrate instructional messages with learning activities to create more engaging and exciting learning environments. It is a meaningful approach for creating a constructivist learning environment based on novel principles of teaching and learning. Thus, this approach has the potential to