Digital Storytelling and Educational Benefits: Evidences from a Large-Scale Project

In this paper we investigate the potential of digital storytelling in the context of formal education (i.e. as a classroom activity). Our discussion is based upon the empirical evidence provided by a six-years’ experience in Italian classes of all school grades (including pre-school), which has involved so far more than 17,000 students. The evaluation data come from surveys, direct interviews and focus groups with hundreds of teachers. Digital storytelling seems to provide substantial benefits of various kinds, ranging from knowledge acquisition, to media literacy and improved attitudes and behaviors. Nearly 700 narratives, created so far, can be accessed at www.policulturaportal.it.