A case study to evaluate the effectiveness of digital storytelling as a narrative writing tool.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital storytelling as a narrative writing tool. The case study was conducted with a sixth class group in a primary school in the south west of Ireland. The study also looks at digital storytelling as an example of good practice in the use of information and communications technology. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research were employed for the purpose of this study. An evaluation rubric was designed in order to assess the quality of digital stories. Timed observations and focus-group interviews were conducted in order to evaluate the impact of digital storytelling on the children in sixth class. The findings of the study suggest that the digital storytelling approach can have a positive effect on students, particularly students with special needs and English as an additional language. In addition, the results indicate that digital storytelling can be used as an effective method of delivering the Curriculum of Ireland. However, the outcomes of the study also suggest that digital storytelling can be a time-consuming activity. The success of the approach can depend on the experience of the teacher in the use of information and communications technology