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In modern societies, technology is used to communicate and understand identities, cultures and customs. Technological developments and activities provide students with different cultural backgrounds to understand each other’s behavior and culture. In this process, perceptions and awareness regarding the cultural mosaic of societies are developed (Dawn & Southcott, 2006). Technological developments are also regarded as rich sources which allow the expression and transfer of expressing and transferring cultural images. It is also the most effective way of enabling students to express cultural backgrounds efficiently. On the other hand preparing students as individuals who can effectively use technology in real life is considered as one of the missions of the instructional environments. In this respect, students should be included in instructional systems if technology is to be used in instructional environments. Technological tools and facilities have brought many innovations and developments in many social environments. With the rapid advancements in technology, it has become a necessity to effectively benefit from the newly emerged technological tools in instructional environments. The environments which are armed with interactively used technological tools make it possible for both instructional and cultural interaction and communication (Robin, 2008).
Today, digital storytelling appears as one of the approaches which encourage students using technology actively, especially in instructional environments. Digital storytelling for learning provides students time and context independent, open-ended, participatory and interactive learning. Digital storytelling considers learning as building knowledge not a knowledge transmission (Feher, 2008). Additionally digital storytelling can be used to support different aspects of learning by the alternative method of communication and interpretation (Druin at. al., 2009).
Digital storytelling approach promote a student-centered learning focused on learning motivation, learning achievement, meaningful student engagement and learning performance by conducting learning activities with systematic instructional construction (Robin, 2008; Ohler, 2005). Digital storytelling approach enhances learning behavior and learning motivation by developing active learning performance, fostering deep learning and critical thinking skills (Robin, 2008; Gere, 2002). Students who complete challenging tasks and actively involved in the organized technology integration procedures achieved by digital storytelling approach consider them to improve technological skills, multimedia skills and literacy skills (Gere,2002).Digital storytelling approach also constructs interaction among students, attract the student interest and enhance learning achievement (Bran, 2010).
Digital storytelling approach provides students to combine learning content and multimedia elements effectively. The combination of technology and learning content in a manner way allows student to control the learning process. The control of learning process encourages students to develop self-expression, personal technology skills, media skills and learning confidence (EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, 2007).