Digital Storytelling is the process of creating a personal account of an event or moment that significantly influenced or changed your life. The digital story is told through the “I” narrative and expresses emotions in a direct way that connects your story with an audience.
One of the first courses at Bucknell to adopt the digital storytelling technique was Religion 311: Perspectives in Spirituality and Mysticism. Students were asked to create a digital story expressing their relationship with the subject matter. Students reacted enthusiastically to an assignment that allowed them to take a third-person account and turn the material inward. The students produced enriching, self-reflective stories to which they felt a great emotional connection. They drew upon the knowledge they gained throughout the semester and drafted eloquent accounts of pivotal moments that were responsible for shaping their destinies – many of the same moments that ultimately led them to choose that very course. The course content and digital story were a perfect marriage.
“I incorporated the digital essay in my humanities course (philosophy of religion) and it was amazing to see the students’ final products. Each one synthesized — seamlessly and creatively — digital literacy skills, innovative thinking, and ancient forms of knowledge associated with perennial human questions of existence, meaning, purpose, and ultimate value.” -Carol Wayne White, Professor of Philosophy of Religion, Bucknell University
“It [our video/digital story assignment] allowed a level of creativity that written papers do not permit. . . . I was quite surprised to learn that there was media which reflected each point made in my narration. I was also quite impressed with the variety of opportunities available to help me complete my project in such a professional manner. The output is of very high quality. I have learned a skill which I intend to continue practicing.” -Anissa Corser, Student, Bucknell University
How will you incorporate digital storytelling into your curriculum? Please contact Brianna Derr, Instructional Technologist, at bh022@bucknell.edu to set up an appointment.
Many Paths One Goal, Anissa Corser