Digital Storytelling in ELL

Dan Merryfield

Overview of Project

The Centre for Excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement is committed to exploring best practices in

enhancing English Language Learning (ELL) with technology.

This project explored the usage of digital storytelling with

young adult immigrant learners who had a wide range

of previous exposure to technology. The project provided

learners with an opportunity to share their perspectives and

voice their stories.

What is Digital Storytelling?

• It is a short, personal narrative

• It involves visuals, text and audio

• It is created and shared through digital

technology

Digital Storytelling Websites

Useful sites

• http://www.storycenter.org

• http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/

Our Pilot Project

The process included:

• Completing a literature review

• Developing course content and materials

based on research findings and best practices

• Piloting blended course three times

• Collecting feedback and making revisions to

learning materials

Course Development

Goals:

• Explore blended learning in an ELL context

• Develop multiple literacies with our learners

• Improve learners’ story writing, pronunciation

and presentation skills

• Encourage critical thinking in our learners

Course Overview

Course content:

• Part I: Foundational digital skills

• Part II: Story planning, writing and editing

• Part III: Production and presentation

Course Development

In class Online In class Online In class

Example of Course Materials

Example of Course Materials

Example of Course Materials

Example of Course Materials

Story Writing Process

• Brainstorm ideas and

vocabulary

• Review writing process

• Write-share-reflect-

edit-share-reflect-edit

• Focus on the idea of

“less being more”

Digital Storytelling Process

Story Production:

• Selection and creation of

images

• Selection of audio to add to

story

• Storyboard

• Recording of narration

• Editing and fine tuning

Digital Storytelling Production

Production:

• Software to build stories

– Photostory

• Recording of audio

– Audacity

• Websites for music

– http://dig.ccmixter.org/

Digital Storytelling Presentations

• Finished product was shared with

– learners in the class

– instructor

– other classes online

– other members of the College

– learners in other colleges

Digital Storytelling Gallery

• My Shoes

• Remember the Day

Digital Storytelling Learner Feedback

Learner Feedback

“I liked the part of Digital Story Telling. It was my best because it

brought out the real me. It gave me confident and it gave me

inner strength.”

(The part I liked best was) “when I presented the story to my

class and other group of learners because than I could actually

tell someone my personal story.”

Project Considerations

Time to:

• develop skills

• create stories

• manipulate images

• edit digital story

Technology considerations:

• backup copies

• recording and noise levels

• access to necessary software

Project Findings

Digital storytelling is:

• An innovative opportunity for creative output

• An effective project-based method to develop

multiple literacies and Essential Skills

• Learners need time to experiment with tools

and develop their skills

• A great deal of instructor support is required

for learners

Project Findings

Blended learning:

• Works well to actively engage learners in a

course

• Requires dedicated instructor time for both

in-class and online activities

• Requires extensive material development

ahead of time

• Must include exceptionally clear online

instructions

Further Developments

• Introduced photography clubs

• Integrated digital storytelling course in full-

time offerings

• Developed mentorship component where

previous learners from the course support

new learners with technology required for

digital storytelling

Contributors

Dan Merryfield

dmerryfield@bowvalleycollege.ca

Project Lead, Research and Development

Jennifer Acevedo

jacevedo@bowvalleycollege.ca

Course Development and Editor

Diane HardyHana Taleb Imai dhardy@bowvalleycollege.cahimai@bowvalleycollege.ca

Coordinators, Research and Innovation

Funded by: Alberta Human Services