Washington State University College of Nursing
At the end of this presentation the audience should be able
to :
1) Understand the benefits of using digital story telling in an
PMHNP distance program
2) Discuss the challenges and various ways to incorporate a
digital story telling assignment into PMHNP programs
PURPOSE The purpose of this presentation is to explore and evaluate the use of digital story telling
in psychiatric mental health (PMH) DNP program. PROBLEM LED TO PROJECT? How do teachers
insure that self-reflection, compassion and empathy are instilled in students involved in an on-line
PMH DNP course? Creating a learning environment that endorses self-reflection is difficult when
there is little face to face interaction between students and teacher. The search for teaching
strategies that would promote PMH DNP values such as empathy, compassion and self-reflection
led to the use of digital story telling as a teaching tool. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE. For many years
storytelling has been used in general education and as a tool to understand the human experience
(Abma, 2003; Christiansen 2010; Haigh & Hardy, 2010; Hardy, 2007). However, little is known
about the value of using digital stories with PMH DNP students and how it impacts their learning
experience. DESCRIPTION A digital story is a short multimedia presentation that combines images
with personal narration. Students were asked tell their story of what led them to choose a DNP
program. METHOD OF EVALUATION. Students provided written feedback about the assignment.
MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS Answers were reviewed using content analysis. Common themes
emerged from the data. RESULTS/DIFFERENCE MADE Overall the digital story telling promoted
deep self-reflection for the students. Students found that the creation of their meaningful story
was crucial to their future role as a PMH DNP. FUTURE IMPLICATIONS Digital story telling is a
teaching strategy that can enhance the on-line learning experience for the students and the
“The Center for Digital Story telling emerged in the 1970’s and
80’s…….
Educators across disciplines challenged that art is not reserved for
the gifted or professional….
They pioneering artist wanted to make art accessible to all
The work of these collaborators gave voice to powerful stories of
harm, healing and hope in the midst of social and political conflict”
Helpful hints on preparing a digital story for educators can be found
at: www.techlearning.com/printablearticle/8030
Another great link for a reference is: http://www.storycenter.org/
The increase of distance education Psych DNP programs has
impacted the way in which content is delivered.
The process of self –reflection helps move from an awareness
of “I am” to a deeper awareness of “I have been…I am
becoming…I am…and I will be..”
Used as a tool to teach
◦
self-relfelction
◦
empathy
◦
new technology
◦
bridge the gap in online or hybrid courses
Digital Story Introduction:
The overall purpose of this exercise is to start thinking about
ourselves and the future impact that others have had in our
lives.
Reflect on your life.
Explore your identity(s) and your
personality and the impact your background has defined you
as a person. Sharing “who you are” is an important piece of
this assignment
Students were asked to answer 3 open ended questions about
their experience with the digital story. The questions were
received in written format
12 students
Themes:
◦
Permission to self-reflect
◦
Shaping my future practice
◦
Disclosing and witnessing
“The digital story was a moving experience that had a strong
impact on me as it helped me to look back on my life and take
account for the things that have made me into the person I
am today. It was emotionally moving to consider all the
things that I wish were different but empowering to see how
the hardships have made me stronger. As I witnessed the
digital stories of my classmates I was able to see the beauty in
each story and it subsequently helped me to consider the
beauty in my own story.”
Simulates empathy
Positive influence in the learning environment
Makes difficult content more understandable
Provides students with a reflective experience
Emotionally triggering
Students may need direction related about "how much" to
share
Students may feel uncomfortable with the assignment and
resist
Technological problems were the biggest challenge cited in
1. The benefits of Digital Storytelling for PMHNP graduate students include:
A. Better understanding of technology
B. Encourages self-knowledge
C. A reflective exercise
D. All the Above
2. Challenges of incorporating a digital storytelling assignment
include:
A. Technology problems
B. Potential for students experiencing strong emotional
reactions
C. Student confidentiality
D. All the above
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How to Create Simple Digital Stories:
http://electronicportfolios.com/digistory/howto.html
Tips for Digital Story Telling:
http://www.techlearning.com/article/tips-for-digital-story-telling/44668
Digital Story Telling Tutorial in Ten Steps:
