Thirteenth International Conference on e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies

Abstract

Isolation and a lack of community are continually cited as ubiquitous challenges within the online learning environment (Malinen, 2015). Narrative proves to be a compelling counteragent through the agentic power of bringing storytellers and listeners together into a communal space that unites students in a shared purpose. When integrated into the design and facilitation of learning in digital spaces, narrative practices reimagine the classroom as a constructivist environment where students apply creativity, agency and digital literacies in the meeting of articulated learning outcomes. This lively discussion session will begin with the presentation of a framework for redefining students as epic heroes in the classroom, and an assessment tool for evaluating digital storytelling. The presenters will use these two tools to engage participants in a rich discussion of ways in which educators can unpack the elements of storytelling and integrate them into engaging, experiential learning. Participants will be invited to share discipline-specific applications of narrative in contexts of their choosing, sharing stories with the group of past challenges and future opportunities. Archivists in each discussion group will scribe the themes that emerge from the discussions into a collaborative document that will be shared out as an artifact for the participants to continue to access and utilize in their curriculum planning and course design, thereby extending the reach and impact of the connections forged in this session.