Research Roundup: Upping Your Digital Storytelling Game

Abstract

In the spring 2021 issue, we discussed the benefits of Vivian Paley’s storytelling practice on language and literacy skills, social emotional development, creativity, and motivation. Traditional storytelling is powerful in its own right, but we would be remiss if we did not also mention the benefits of digital storytelling—the process of using multimedia tools to tell a story. A digital story can be something as simple as narrating a story over a single photo or as complex as a movie with audio and visual effects. Allowing children to use technology to tell stories can generate interest and motivation in content creation, ignite creativity, and support the development of twenty-first century literacy skills. Here’s a look at some storytelling tools that can be used to elevate the voices of children and families across settings.