Developing 21st Century Communication Skills Using Digital Storytelling

Abstract

The purpose and aim of this study were to provide a digital storytelling summer workshop for local, underprivileged, middle school students in order to help them develop effective communication skills. Graduate students from the local state university helped participants develop enhanced literacy skills by facilitating the workshop and leading small groups in which participants learned how to organize ideas, express opinions, and construct narratives using a digital storytelling platform. Participants learned how to create stories for an audience and presented their ideas and knowledge in unique ways, which benefited their communication skills. The program was supported by a funded grant and dedicated resources from the local state university, public library, and independent school district.