Digital Storytelling for 21^st-Century Skills in Virtual Learning Environments

Hannele Niemi, Vilhelmiina Harju, Marianna Vivitsou, Kirsi Viitanen, Jari Multisilta, Anne Kuokkanen

Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, Cicero Learning Network, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

DOI: 10.4236/ce.2014.59078                

Abstract

This article finds that the new virtual learning environments comprise more spaces and practices in which digital resources, tools, and applications are used. The article introduces how digital storytelling can create virtual learning environments when it is used for learning 21^st-century skills and competencies needed in students’ future working life. The study describes how students (n = 319) in three countries and their teachers (n = 28) value digital storytelling and what they think students have learned. Their experiences are analyzed using a theoretical conceptualization of the global sharing pedagogy that sets categories of processes or tools as mediators: 1) learner-driven knowledge and skills creation, 2) collaboration, 3) networking, and 4) digital literacy. Analyses have been quantitative and qualitative. The article describes students’ experiences when they created their digital stories and how they engaged in learning. The major findings are that students enjoyed creating their stories, and they were very engaged in their work. They learned many 21^st-century skills when creating their digital stories.

Keywords

Digital Story Telling, Learning, 21st-Century Skills, Videos, Collaboration, Engagement

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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