{"id":2397,"date":"2026-02-03T19:05:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T00:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=2397"},"modified":"2026-02-10T16:05:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T21:05:32","slug":"digital-storytelling","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/chapter\/digital-storytelling\/","title":{"raw":"Digital Storytelling","rendered":"Digital Storytelling"},"content":{"raw":"<h2><strong>Digital Storytelling Assignment Toolkit\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<h3><strong> Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nDigital storytelling allows students to combine narrative, media creation, and critical reflection. It supports analytical, creative, and multimodal communication skills\u2014perfect for literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, Indigenous studies, communication, and more.\r\n\r\nThis toolkit includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Instructor assignment framing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Student\u2011friendly instructions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Suggested tools for different media types<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Options for final digital presentation formats<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Assessment suggestions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Example \u201cStudent Guide for using Microsoft Sway as a Digital Storytelling platform\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div align=\"center\"><\/div>\r\n<ol start=\"2\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<h3><strong> Assignment Description (Instructor\u2011Ready)<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<strong>Purpose:<\/strong>\r\nIn this project, you\u2019ll create a digital story that <strong><em>brings course ideas to life<\/em><\/strong>. Instead of writing a traditional paper, you\u2019ll use narrative, images, sound, and other media to explore a theme, text, concept, or historical moment we\u2019ve studied together. T<strong>hink of this as a chance to tell a story that matters to you<\/strong>\u2014one that reveals what you\u2019ve discovered, what you\u2019re questioning, or what you now see differently. Your digital story should invite your audience into your perspective and help them feel, understand, or re\u2011imagine your topic in a new way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3><strong>Learning Outcomes:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nBy creating your digital story, you will:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Show what you\u2019ve learned<\/strong> by weaving course ideas into a meaningful, engaging narrative\/story.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Use your voice, visuals, and digital tools<\/strong> to create a story that flows, makes sense, and leaves an impact on viewers and other students.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Interpret course materials in creative ways<\/strong>, finding fresh angles while still grounding your ideas in thoughtful analysis.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Build digital literacy skills<\/strong> by learning to use and choosing tools and media that help you communicate clearly and effectively.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Reflect on your choices as a storyteller<\/strong>, thinking about why you shaped your narrative the way you did and how those decisions support your message.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div align=\"center\"><\/div>\r\n<ol start=\"3\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<h3><strong> Instructions for Students (Copy\u2011Ready)<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<strong>Your Task<\/strong>\r\n\r\nYou will create a <strong>3\u20136 minute digital story<\/strong> (or multimedia equivalent) that communicates an idea connected to our course. Your story can be analytical, reflective, historical, persuasive, or creative\u2014but it must connect meaningfully to course concepts and be supported with evidence where appropriate.\r\n\r\nThis project is also an opportunity to bring <strong>your own voice, experiences, background, and point of view<\/strong> into the work. Your story is shaped not only by what you\u2019ve learned, but by <em>who you are<\/em>\u2014your 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.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Your digital story must include:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong> A clear narrative arc<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nA beginning, middle, and end that guide your audience through your idea or interpretation.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong> Course\u2011connected insight<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThemes, theories, historical context, textual interpretation, or other concepts we\u2019ve explored\u2014woven naturally into your storytelling.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong> At least two forms of media, such as:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>recorded narration (your voice is especially powerful\u2014use it if you can!)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>images or artworks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>video clips<\/li>\r\n \t<li>text on screen<\/li>\r\n \t<li>sound effects or music<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong> A creator\u2019s statement (250\u2013400 words) explaining your choices, including:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Why you chose your topic and how it connects to <em>you<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li>How your media elements support your narrative<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What tools you used<\/li>\r\n \t<li>How the project deepened your understanding of the course<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Any copyright\u2011free resources used (with attribution)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Workflow Guide<\/strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose a topic<\/strong> that connects to the course. (you can use Microsoft co-pilot to brainstorm ideas \u2013 if the Instructor allows it.)<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Draft your script or narrative outline.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Collect or create media<\/strong> (images, video, audio).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Assemble your story<\/strong> using a tool of your choice.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Edit and review<\/strong> for narrative clarity and accessibility (captions encouraged).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Submit the final file or link<\/strong> plus your creator\u2019s statement.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ol start=\"4\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<h3><strong> Tools for Creating Digital Storytelling Projects<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nBelow is a menu of accessible and student\u2011friendly tools. All options require no specialized technical background\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\r\n<h4><strong>Digital Tools &amp; Privacy: Important Note for Students<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nWhen completing this assignment, you may choose from a range of digital tools to create your story. <em><strong>Please read the following carefully to understand how your data is protected\u2014and where you should use extra caution.<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong>University\u2011Supported Tools (Recommended)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTools provided through the university\u2014such as <strong>Microsoft 365<\/strong>, <strong>Sway<\/strong>, <strong>OneDrive<\/strong>, <strong>PowerPoint<\/strong>, and <strong>Microsoft Copilot<\/strong>\u2014meet our institution\u2019s privacy and security standards.\r\nThese platforms are covered under the university\u2019s data\u2011protection agreements (when using them while signed in with your university credentials), which means:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Your data is stored securely.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Your personal information is protected.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You are not required to share information beyond your institutional login.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhenever possible, please use these tools for coursework.\r\n<div align=\"center\"><\/div>\r\n<strong>Third\u2011Party Tools (Use With Caution)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTools such as <strong>Canva<\/strong>, <strong>YouTube<\/strong>, <strong>Adobe Express<\/strong>, <strong>Wordpress<\/strong> and other non\u2011university services are <strong>not<\/strong> protected or overseen by the university.\r\n\r\nIf you choose to use them:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You may be asked to create an account or provide personal information.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Your data may be stored outside of Canada (or outside the protections of FIPPA\/FOIPPA\u2014depending on your institution\u2019s jurisdiction).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The university <strong>cannot<\/strong> guarantee the privacy, security, or long\u2011term storage of your content.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>If you decide to use a third\u2011party tool, do not upload sensitive personal information, private images, or identifiable data you are not comfortable sharing.<\/strong>\r\n<div align=\"center\"><\/div>\r\n<strong>Guidelines for Safe Use<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTo protect yourself:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Use your <strong>student email only when required<\/strong>, or choose a non\u2011identifying username.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Avoid uploading personal documents, ID images, or private details.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Do not disclose confidential information about yourself or others.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Keep copies of your work saved locally (e.g., on your computer or UNBC Microsoft OneDrive).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div align=\"center\"><\/div>\r\n<strong>Alternative Option<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIf you prefer <strong>not<\/strong> to use a third\u2011party tool for privacy reasons, you are always welcome to complete the assignment using <strong>Microsoft 365 tools<\/strong>, which are fully supported and secure.\r\nYour instructor can help suggest alternate formats that meet the project requirements.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Acknowledgement<\/h1>\r\n<em>Generative artificial intelligence was used to support the production of this chapter.<\/em>\r\n<p class=\"hanging-indent\">Microsoft Co-Pilot. (2026). (Feb 3, 2026 Enterprise data-protected version) [Large language model]. <a href=\"https:\/\/m365.cloud.microsoft\/chat\/\">https:\/\/m365.cloud.microsoft\/chat\/<\/a><\/p>","rendered":"<h2><strong>Digital Storytelling Assignment Toolkit\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><strong> Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Digital storytelling allows students to combine narrative, media creation, and critical reflection. It supports analytical, creative, and multimodal communication skills\u2014perfect for literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, Indigenous studies, communication, and more.<\/p>\n<p>This toolkit includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Instructor assignment framing<\/li>\n<li>Student\u2011friendly instructions<\/li>\n<li>Suggested tools for different media types<\/li>\n<li>Options for final digital presentation formats<\/li>\n<li>Assessment suggestions<\/li>\n<li>Example \u201cStudent Guide for using Microsoft Sway as a Digital Storytelling platform\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"margin: auto;\"><\/div>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><strong> Assignment Description (Instructor\u2011Ready)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong><br \/>\nIn this project, you\u2019ll create a digital story that <strong><em>brings course ideas to life<\/em><\/strong>. Instead of writing a traditional paper, you\u2019ll use narrative, images, sound, and other media to explore a theme, text, concept, or historical moment we\u2019ve studied together. T<strong>hink of this as a chance to tell a story that matters to you<\/strong>\u2014one that reveals what you\u2019ve discovered, what you\u2019re questioning, or what you now see differently. Your digital story should invite your audience into your perspective and help them feel, understand, or re\u2011imagine your topic in a new way.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3><strong>Learning Outcomes:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>By creating your digital story, you will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Show what you\u2019ve learned<\/strong> by weaving course ideas into a meaningful, engaging narrative\/story.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use your voice, visuals, and digital tools<\/strong> to create a story that flows, makes sense, and leaves an impact on viewers and other students.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interpret course materials in creative ways<\/strong>, finding fresh angles while still grounding your ideas in thoughtful analysis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build digital literacy skills<\/strong> by learning to use and choosing tools and media that help you communicate clearly and effectively.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reflect on your choices as a storyteller<\/strong>, thinking about why you shaped your narrative the way you did and how those decisions support your message.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: auto;\"><\/div>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><strong> Instructions for Students (Copy\u2011Ready)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Your Task<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You will create a <strong>3\u20136 minute digital story<\/strong> (or multimedia equivalent) that communicates an idea connected to our course. Your story can be analytical, reflective, historical, persuasive, or creative\u2014but it must connect meaningfully to course concepts and be supported with evidence where appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>This project is also an opportunity to bring <strong>your own voice, experiences, background, and point of view<\/strong> into the work. Your story is shaped not only by what you\u2019ve learned, but by <em>who you are<\/em>\u2014your 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your digital story must include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> A clear narrative arc<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A beginning, middle, and end that guide your audience through your idea or interpretation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> Course\u2011connected insight<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Themes, theories, historical context, textual interpretation, or other concepts we\u2019ve explored\u2014woven naturally into your storytelling.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> At least two forms of media, such as:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>recorded narration (your voice is especially powerful\u2014use it if you can!)<\/li>\n<li>images or artworks<\/li>\n<li>video clips<\/li>\n<li>text on screen<\/li>\n<li>sound effects or music<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> A creator\u2019s statement (250\u2013400 words) explaining your choices, including:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Why you chose your topic and how it connects to <em>you<\/em><\/li>\n<li>How your media elements support your narrative<\/li>\n<li>What tools you used<\/li>\n<li>How the project deepened your understanding of the course<\/li>\n<li>Any copyright\u2011free resources used (with attribution)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Workflow Guide<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Choose a topic<\/strong> that connects to the course. (you can use Microsoft co-pilot to brainstorm ideas \u2013 if the Instructor allows it.)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Draft your script or narrative outline.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Collect or create media<\/strong> (images, video, audio).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assemble your story<\/strong> using a tool of your choice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Edit and review<\/strong> for narrative clarity and accessibility (captions encouraged).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Submit the final file or link<\/strong> plus your creator\u2019s statement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3><strong> Tools for Creating Digital Storytelling Projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Below is a menu of accessible and student\u2011friendly tools. All options require no specialized technical background<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\">\n<h4><strong>Digital Tools &amp; Privacy: Important Note for Students<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>When completing this assignment, you may choose from a range of digital tools to create your story. <em><strong>Please read the following carefully to understand how your data is protected\u2014and where you should use extra caution.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>University\u2011Supported Tools (Recommended)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tools provided through the university\u2014such as <strong>Microsoft 365<\/strong>, <strong>Sway<\/strong>, <strong>OneDrive<\/strong>, <strong>PowerPoint<\/strong>, and <strong>Microsoft Copilot<\/strong>\u2014meet our institution\u2019s privacy and security standards.<br \/>\nThese platforms are covered under the university\u2019s data\u2011protection agreements (when using them while signed in with your university credentials), which means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your data is stored securely.<\/li>\n<li>Your personal information is protected.<\/li>\n<li>You are not required to share information beyond your institutional login.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whenever possible, please use these tools for coursework.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: auto;\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>Third\u2011Party Tools (Use With Caution)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tools such as <strong>Canva<\/strong>, <strong>YouTube<\/strong>, <strong>Adobe Express<\/strong>, <strong>WordPress<\/strong> and other non\u2011university services are <strong>not<\/strong> protected or overseen by the university.<\/p>\n<p>If you choose to use them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You may be asked to create an account or provide personal information.<\/li>\n<li>Your data may be stored outside of Canada (or outside the protections of FIPPA\/FOIPPA\u2014depending on your institution\u2019s jurisdiction).<\/li>\n<li>The university <strong>cannot<\/strong> guarantee the privacy, security, or long\u2011term storage of your content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>If you decide to use a third\u2011party tool, do not upload sensitive personal information, private images, or identifiable data you are not comfortable sharing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: auto;\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>Guidelines for Safe Use<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To protect yourself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use your <strong>student email only when required<\/strong>, or choose a non\u2011identifying username.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid uploading personal documents, ID images, or private details.<\/li>\n<li>Do not disclose confidential information about yourself or others.<\/li>\n<li>Keep copies of your work saved locally (e.g., on your computer or UNBC Microsoft OneDrive).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"margin: auto;\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>Alternative Option<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you prefer <strong>not<\/strong> to use a third\u2011party tool for privacy reasons, you are always welcome to complete the assignment using <strong>Microsoft 365 tools<\/strong>, which are fully supported and secure.<br \/>\nYour instructor can help suggest alternate formats that meet the project requirements.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>Acknowledgement<\/h1>\n<p><em>Generative artificial intelligence was used to support the production of this chapter.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"hanging-indent\">Microsoft Co-Pilot. (2026). (Feb 3, 2026 Enterprise data-protected version) [Large language model]. <a href=\"https:\/\/m365.cloud.microsoft\/chat\/\">https:\/\/m365.cloud.microsoft\/chat\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1036,"menu_order":22,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[48],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-2397","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless"],"part":139,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1036"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2406,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2397\/revisions\/2406"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/139"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2397\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=2397"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=2397"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/unbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=2397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}