Abstract

PIETERSE, Gaye  and  QUILLING, Rosemary. To see someone else's perspective: A case for digital stories in schools. IJTL [online]. 2018, vol.13, n.1, pp.41-56. ISSN 2519-5670.

Education is key to building South Africa's human capital. In particular, it is necessary to prepare teenagers to enter society as fully functional, skilled adults. This case study, of 172 pupils in a South African Girls' high school, explored the potential of a range of digital storytelling interventions to foster new perspectives on issues and potentially support more informed decision-making. This qualitative research showed participants reaching a new understanding of their emotions and behaviour by experiencing multiple, alternative views of a situation: from peers, parents and other adults. During this process, they engaged in a reflexive practice as they were able to see aspects such as peer pressure and cultural differences more objectively, allowing them to evaluate the situation critically, develop appropriate knowledge and employ this in decision-making. The discussion explores how the creation of digital stories has shaped the outcomes. While this approach could be used to assist pupils in developing critical thinking skills, there were challenges that require further consideration. This case study points the way toward an in-depth look at incorporating digital storytelling in South African classrooms.

Keywords : digital storytelling; participative video documentary; perspective; pupils; decision-making.

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