Digital Storytelling meets Service Learning

by Lucille DiCicco, English

For the past 3 years, I have involved my EN 101 classes with service learning as part of their curriculum. Fortunately, Kathleen Fitzpatrick continually provides us with several options and sites, so Daniel Webster College students can understand and take pride in the benefits of giving back to the community. Although the traditional method of journal entries allows students to record their visits, technology has now enabled another option, Digital Storytelling.

This year I joined efforts with Judy Brophy, educational technologist, so students would have a second option for journal entries.

Those who selected the high tech version took pictures during visits when permitted, and developed a story line explaining the semester’s journey. This allowed students a technological approach to keeping a journal, yet it maintained the program’s intent. The final step in this process was coordinating all the pictures and recording dialogue. Now we have a lasting memory of the interaction among students and those they assist through service learning. We can not ignore technology offering new paths for creative learning.

These options not only keep our students involved, they allow the students to learn with the teacher, and it doesn’t get any better than a fiery exchange of ‘old and new.’ As an added bonus, I have a very special keepsake of the students and our newly shared experience.

 Share your teaching story. Contact Judy Brophy for an interview.