A review of digital storytelling in language learning in children: methods, design and reliability

Abstract

Digital storytelling (DS) is an innovative approach to language learning and teaching. Generally, DS refers to the form of storytelling that utilizes digital technology for expression. Scholars have established the value of DS in both traditional and non-traditional (online) classrooms as a tool to teach and learn languages. However, the research methods and standards of such studies continue to be overlooked even though the robustness of these studies needs to be established for the implementation of DS into the language curriculum for children. Thus, the present research conducted a systematic investigation of research methods, design and reliability in DS studies on children’s language learning. We identified and extracted 50 documents from the Scopus database that satisfied the criteria of inclusion. In the initial evaluation, we coded every paper for (a) the research method applied, (b) research design and (c) reliability investigation of the instruments. We observed that most studies in the dataset used qualitative methods (n = 24, 48%) and most examined the effect of DS on children’s written abilities (n = 25, 50%). The abilities of children to speak (n = 15, 30%) and read a specific language (n = 10, 20%) were investigated to a lesser extent. Yet, none of these studies investigated listening skills. Notably, more than 92% of DS studies on children language learning provided no evidence of reliability investigation. While we coded for eight reliability statistics in the DS dataset, only two of the indexes were identified. Among these methods, Cronbach’s α was most often used to examine internal reliability, whereas correlation coefficient was applied to establish external reliability. Based on these findings, we offer some suggestions and guidelines for future DS research.

The Effectiveness of Digital Storytelling-Based Hand Puppet Media for Elementary School Students

“…Maka, peneliti menciptakan media boneka tangan guna sebagai alat bantu peserta didik dalam bercerita. Media boneka tangan dikembangkan dengan digital storytelling karena menurut (Ong & Aryadoust, 2023) digital storytelling mengacu pada bentuk cerita yang memanfaatkan teknologi untuk berekspresi, (Mujahidah et al, 2021) peserta didik menjadi tertarik dan lebih antusias dalam mengikuti proses pembelajaran, (Ristiyani & Mulyono, 2023) peserta didik dapat mengungkapkan pikirannya melalui bahasa sehingga orang lain dapat memahami apa yang dipikirkan oleh anak tersebut. (Maulana et al, 2022) berpendapat media boneka tangan adalah media yang dapat digunakan baik oleh guru maupun siswa dalam kegiatan pembelajaran.…”

Development of Digital Storytelling-Based Hand Puppet Media to Improve Storytelling Skills

“…So, the researcher created hand puppet media as a tool to help students in telling stories. Hand puppet media was developed with digital storytelling because according to (Ong & Aryadoust, 2023) digital storytelling refers to a form of storytelling that utilizes technology for expression, (Mujahidah et al, 2021) students become interested and more enthusiastic in participating in the learning process, (Ristiyani & Mulyono, 2023) students can express their thoughts through language so that others can understand what the child is thinking. (Maulana et al, 2022) argue that hand puppet media is a medium that can be used by both teachers and students in learning activities.…”