Recommendations and Guidelines
Digital Storytelling
Digital Storytelling Assignment Toolkit
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Overview
Digital storytelling allows students to combine narrative, media creation, and critical reflection. It supports analytical, creative, and multimodal communication skills—perfect for literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, Indigenous studies, communication, and more.
This toolkit includes:
- Instructor assignment framing
- Student‑friendly instructions
- Suggested tools for different media types
- Options for final digital presentation formats
- Assessment suggestions
- Example “Student Guide for using Microsoft Sway as a Digital Storytelling platform”
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Assignment Description (Instructor‑Ready)
Purpose:
In this project, you’ll create a digital story that brings course ideas to life. Instead of writing a traditional paper, you’ll use narrative, images, sound, and other media to explore a theme, text, concept, or historical moment we’ve studied together. Think of this as a chance to tell a story that matters to you—one that reveals what you’ve discovered, what you’re questioning, or what you now see differently. Your digital story should invite your audience into your perspective and help them feel, understand, or re‑imagine your topic in a new way.
Learning Outcomes:
By creating your digital story, you will:
- Show what you’ve learned by weaving course ideas into a meaningful, engaging narrative/story.
- Use your voice, visuals, and digital tools to create a story that flows, makes sense, and leaves an impact on viewers and other students.
- Interpret course materials in creative ways, finding fresh angles while still grounding your ideas in thoughtful analysis.
- Build digital literacy skills by learning to use and choosing tools and media that help you communicate clearly and effectively.
- Reflect on your choices as a storyteller, thinking about why you shaped your narrative the way you did and how those decisions support your message.
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Instructions for Students (Copy‑Ready)
Your Task
You will create a 3–6 minute digital story (or multimedia equivalent) that communicates an idea connected to our course. Your story can be analytical, reflective, historical, persuasive, or creative—but it must connect meaningfully to course concepts and be supported with evidence where appropriate.
This project is also an opportunity to bring your own voice, experiences, background, and point of view into the work. Your story is shaped not only by what you’ve learned, but by who you are—your history, your questions, your values, your lived experiences, and the unique ways you see the world. Let those elements guide the tone and direction of your narrative.
Your digital story must include:
- A clear narrative arc
A beginning, middle, and end that guide your audience through your idea or interpretation.
- Course‑connected insight
Themes, theories, historical context, textual interpretation, or other concepts we’ve explored—woven naturally into your storytelling.
- At least two forms of media, such as:
- recorded narration (your voice is especially powerful—use it if you can!)
- images or artworks
- video clips
- text on screen
- sound effects or music
- A creator’s statement (250–400 words) explaining your choices, including:
- Why you chose your topic and how it connects to you
- How your media elements support your narrative
- What tools you used
- How the project deepened your understanding of the course
- Any copyright‑free resources used (with attribution)
Workflow Guide
- Choose a topic that connects to the course. (you can use Microsoft co-pilot to brainstorm ideas – if the Instructor allows it.)
- Draft your script or narrative outline.
- Collect or create media (images, video, audio).
- Assemble your story using a tool of your choice.
- Edit and review for narrative clarity and accessibility (captions encouraged).
- Submit the final file or link plus your creator’s statement.
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Tools for Creating Digital Storytelling Projects
Below is a menu of accessible and student‑friendly tools. All options require no specialized technical background
Digital Tools & Privacy: Important Note for Students
When completing this assignment, you may choose from a range of digital tools to create your story. Please read the following carefully to understand how your data is protected—and where you should use extra caution.
University‑Supported Tools (Recommended)
Tools provided through the university—such as Microsoft 365, Sway, OneDrive, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Copilot—meet our institution’s privacy and security standards.
These platforms are covered under the university’s data‑protection agreements (when using them while signed in with your university credentials), which means:
- Your data is stored securely.
- Your personal information is protected.
- You are not required to share information beyond your institutional login.
Whenever possible, please use these tools for coursework.
Third‑Party Tools (Use With Caution)
Tools such as Canva, YouTube, Adobe Express, WordPress and other non‑university services are not protected or overseen by the university.
If you choose to use them:
- You may be asked to create an account or provide personal information.
- Your data may be stored outside of Canada (or outside the protections of FIPPA/FOIPPA—depending on your institution’s jurisdiction).
- The university cannot guarantee the privacy, security, or long‑term storage of your content.
If you decide to use a third‑party tool, do not upload sensitive personal information, private images, or identifiable data you are not comfortable sharing.
Guidelines for Safe Use
To protect yourself:
- Use your student email only when required, or choose a non‑identifying username.
- Avoid uploading personal documents, ID images, or private details.
- Do not disclose confidential information about yourself or others.
- Keep copies of your work saved locally (e.g., on your computer or UNBC Microsoft OneDrive).
Alternative Option
If you prefer not to use a third‑party tool for privacy reasons, you are always welcome to complete the assignment using Microsoft 365 tools, which are fully supported and secure.
Your instructor can help suggest alternate formats that meet the project requirements.
Acknowledgement
Generative artificial intelligence was used to support the production of this chapter.
Microsoft Co-Pilot. (2026). (Feb 3, 2026 Enterprise data-protected version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
