A stepping stone to the future
CyberSmart Africa uses digital storytelling as a method to gain the initial confidence and support of parents and community leaders. Extending traditional storytelling customs through the process of digital storytelling is a way of introducing 21st century learning to them.
Learning objectives
We’ve identified four objectives related to 21st century skills for education. Students will
- work collaboratively with one another to complete a project
- sharpen writing, creative thinking, and self-directed learning skills
- learn to use multimedia tools
- communicate with other students internationally
Materials
- Simple, durable video cameras
- Still cameras
- Rechargeable batteries and chargers
- SD cards, other accessories
Our perspective: In search of what binds us
What is it that binds all people together? What do kids in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, have in common with kids from M’bour, Senegal, Africa? Through digital storytelling we can discover those connections and forge new, valuable relationships that were never before possible.
It starts with reaching out and sharing our humanity through stories in which the only agenda is friendship. Digital storytelling projects often focus on topics such as health, AIDS prevention, the environment, history and events, and social change. These stories focus on something much more universally personal—the stories of daily life. Their purpose is to share how and why we do what we do every day, to spark thought and discussion, and to gain new insights about our lives and the lives of others.