Digital stories: How teachers can harness digital storytelling for learning

Abstract

This article presents the Integrated Digital Storytelling framework, a pedagogical model designed to embed digital storytelling into educational practice in structured, inclusive, and adaptable ways. Grounded in constructivist and narrative learning theories, digital storytelling enables students to express ideas creatively, engage deeply with curricular content, and develop key 21st-century competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. The framework unfolds across five interconnected phases: Narrative Inquiry, Digital Composition, Co-Creation, Interaction and Immersion, and Reflection and Assessment. These phases are scaffolded by practical strategies and supported by tools such as Storyboard That, Storyboarder, and Storyboard AI, which facilitate narrative design and multimedia production. By incorporating scriptwriting, peer feedback, and visual storyboarding, the framework fosters not only technical proficiency but also cognitive and emotional engagement. The article also addresses challenges and ethical considerations, including digital access, representation, and student wellbeing. This research contributes to the expanding field of digital pedagogy by offering a replicable model that empowers teachers to use storytelling as a vehicle for personalised, creative, and transformative learning.