Turn Up the Volume: Digital Storytelling of Underrepresented Students in Education Abroad

Session Description: Everyone returns home from a global experience with a story to tell, but as international educators, we need to provide a suitable, safe, and enduring space for doing so. Digital storytelling—a complex process that helps students to structure their reflection into meaningful stories with a gained sense of agency from self-authoring their story—can be a powerful tool for students to identify unique moments and share remarkable insights gleaned from their education abroad experience. Come learn why these narratives can be inspiring, and even transformative, when voiced by students from backgrounds, orientations, and abilities historically underrepresented in study abroad.

Presenters:

Skyller Walkes, Associate Director, Office of Disability Services - Texas State University Lisa Calevi, Assistant Director, Institutional Relations - University of Oregon Barbara Edwards, Professor, School of Business - Florida Memorial University

The above session was one of the most memorable presentations I experienced at the 6th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference for a number of reasons. The first was the presence of Dr. Skyller Walkes. As soon as she greeted the audience, I was enthralled by her aura, confidence, and command of the room. She spoke with both authority and sensitivity. Her bright pink and yellow earrings, colorful dress, and mini mohawk reflected parts of her external identity, while her speech, intellect, and expertise reflected dimensions of her internal identity. She began by saying, "In my session, I won’t ever make reference to the word “minority” but rather “global majority”, after which, many people snapped and voiced their praise. This introduction let me know that I was in for a good time. The session focused on digital storytelling including its core principles, elements, purpose, and impact. I have presented on counterstorytelling in education abroad, and have a deep appreciation for the rich tradition of storytelling among historically marginalized and oppressed groups. Through the incorporation of student voices and narratives by means of digital stories, attendance at this session was a truly unforgettable experience.

So What is Digital Storytelling Anyway?

According to the presenters, digital stories are stories someone chooses to tell using digital tools. Digital storytelling has roots in community theatre, meaning it is a production and takes thought. These stories are not meant for marketing or recruitment but rather as a way for students to share their experience in a creative and authentic way.

There are 7 core principles and 7 elements of digital storytelling

Core Principles

1. Everyone has a story to tell

2. People need to be heard

3. People see, hear, and perceive the world in different ways

4. Listening is hard

5. Creative activity it human activity

6. Technology is a powerful tool of creativity

7. Sharing a story can lead to positive change

Elements

1. Point of View   What is the main point of the story and what is the perspective of the author?

2. A Dramatic Question  A key question that keeps the viewer's attention and will be answered by the end of the story.

3. Emotional Content  Serious issues that come alive in a personal and powerful way and connects the audience to the story.

4. The Gift of Your Voice  A way to personalize the story to help the audience understand the context.

5. The Power of the Soundtrack  Music or other sounds that support and embellish the story.

6. Economy  Using just enough content to tell the story without overloading the viewer.

7. Pacing  The rhythm of the story and how slowly or quickly it progresses.

The Purpose and Impact of Digital Storytelling

According to the presenters, there are at least 4 purposes of a digital story

1. Provides a platform to share an experience

2. Can be used as documentation and add to a student’s portfolio

3. Allows students to improve their presentation and writing skills

4. Provides a more intimate, unique, and personal representation of a journey

Impact

• For visual learners, a short digital story is more impactful than a photo or having to read

• It can also serve as a powerful tool for minority or marginalized students

• Students can view images of those experiencing a foreign country and its differences

• Short stories can inculcate a real sense of cultural and global awareness

• Removes voyeuristic content because students are self-authoring

• Leverages our authority to provide platforms for students who feel voiceless

• Adds authenticity you can’t get elsewhere

• Can include composite counterstorytelling to not expose other student’s vulnerabilities involved

Additional resources:

http://unpacked.ifsa-butler.org/

https://www.storycenter.org/

Youtube: study abroad digital stories