We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Digital Storytelling?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Feb 17, 2024
Views: 6,269
Share

Digital storytelling is a form of storytelling which is accomplished through the use of technology. It is a significant divergence from the oral tradition in many cultures in which stories are passed on from person to person, and from the tradition of written storytelling. Digital storytelling is dynamic, sometimes described as a multimedia approach to storytelling, and it has a number of uses. Some places where digital storytelling can be seen include classrooms, museums, historical societies, and community organizations.

With digital storytelling, there are a number of ways to present the story. Someone may narrate, in their own voice, while images and words are displayed on a screen. Digital storytelling can also incorporate videos, music, audio from other sources, and other artistic expressions to tell a story. While first person storytelling continues to be popular, other perspectives can be taken by the narrator as desired.

Digital storytelling can last two to 10 minutes, depending on the story. It may include features such as a choose your own adventure element, which allows people to interact directly with the story, and requires the creation of a branching story which provides an array of options for people who want to engage with the story. It may be embedded in a website, displayed on a screen, or included in an audio tour.

In the classroom, digital storytelling can be used in a variety of educational ways. Students can create their own digital stories, learning how to use the technology behind digital storytelling while they record stories about their own lives, or myths which they have created. Teachers can also present material in digital form. For example, a teacher doing a unit on Native American mythology might display digital stories put together by Native American Elders to allow students to connect with the stories and the people who belong to the culture in which the stories continue to be told.

For historical archiving, digital storytelling can be very valuable. Many oral history projects which collect stories and data from older adults who have lived through events of interest can use digital storytelling to record these stories. Some people invited to tell their stories may enjoy turning them into digital stories, while others may simply contribute audio and images of artifacts which a historian can use in a digital story. This storytelling technique is also used to provide information to visitors to museums, communities of historical interest, and so forth.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-digital-storytelling.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.