The Value of Digital Storytelling as an L2 Narrative Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of introducing digital storytelling (DST) into second language (L2) narrative practice, by examining the characteristics of L2 learners' narrative when multimodality is added. To this end, the present study examined pairs of personal narrative scripts produced by 50 undergraduate L2 learners in DST, along with their self-created videos for DST presentation, as well as their narrative scripts developed in traditional (exclusively linguistic) modes. The participants' narrative scripts and videos were analyzed based on the 'good story' framework, which consists of important dimensions to consider in the narrative genre. The findings demonstrate that L2 students' narratives become better stories when they are practiced in DST, particularly in terms of expressing one's feeling, showing awareness of the audience, and adding more details to the story. Also, the availability of multiple modes of expression was found to expand their narrative topics and elicit their stories and visions more powerfully. The authors conclude that an understanding of the unique features of DST enables teachers to use this new approach for enhancing L2 narrative skills in their learners.