Digital storytelling in higher education institutions is one of the most exciting emerging technologies of the 21st century.
CPUT has been actively involved in digital storytelling and has integrated this trend into teaching and learning activities, with overwhelming results.
These highlights are recorded in the book, “The aim of Telling Stories Differently: Engaging 21st Century students through Digital Storytelling”.
The book is a collaboration between several academics and was launched at the international Pan African Reading Association of South Africa (RASA) Literacy conference, which took place at the Baxter Theatre.
Prof Janet Condy, who led the project, says the book is a loose collection of studies using digital storytelling as a pedagogical tool at CPUT.
It takes an informed social justice approach to teaching and learning, at the heart of which is the exploration of digital storytelling as a practice of voice and agency.
Digital storytelling potentially offers the marginalised a safe space to create a counter-hegemonic narrative challenging received and dominant ideologies.
Whilst the book is about higher education, there are also important lessons for schools as well, says Condy.
On the one hand, the book is a powerful demonstration of the potential of digital storytelling for enhancing learning in schools, particularly in schools serving the poor and marginalised.
On the other hand, improving teaching and learning in higher education, through the creative use of technology, is essential to overcome the learning challenges of those entering tertiary level institutions.
“We are hoping that all the libraries and the central libraries of CPUT will purchase a few copies of our book as the authors come from most of the faculties,” says Condy.
- Academics who contributed to the book included the following: Daniela Gachago, Dr Eunice Ivala, Dr Agnes Chigona, Prof Yusuf Sayed, Prof Rajendra Chetty, Dr Sue Pather, Nazma Vajat, Chantyclaire Tiba, Veronica Barnes, Penny Gill, Ignatius Khan Ticha, Franci Cronje, Anthea Adams, Ayesha Reiners, Lynn De Louw, Mandie Richards and Prof Janet Condy.
- Published by SunMedia in Stellenbosch, the soft cover book is selling at R325 and the e-book is selling at R260. Copies of the book can be bought through Condy on condyj@cput.ac.za or at 021 680 1517 or directly through SunMedia on orders@africansunmedia.co.za or sun-e-shop.co.za or africansunmedia.snapplify.com.
The book was funded by Fundani.
