Digital Stories in L2 Education: Overview

Authors

  • Ana Oskoz University of Maryland Baltimore County
  • Idoia Elola Texas Tech University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v33i2.29295

Keywords:

Digital stories, linguistic and rhetorical gains, literacies, genre, multimodality

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the inclusion of digital stories (DSs)—storylines that integrate text, images, and sound—in the second-language (L2) context, which have been mainly used for educational purposes from the elementary to the university level. It (a) reviews the methodical and planned, albeit non-lineal, steps required for successful implementation of DSs in the L2 classroom and (b) assesses the observed linguistic and rhetorical gains learners may experience in their language skills (speaking, listening, and writing), including their use of correct grammar, vocabulary, and writing conventions such as structure. This article also points out the shift from a traditional literacy concept to a new concept of multi-literacies, exploring the notions of new genres and the application of social-semiotic perspectives to understanding the development of DSs. The final section illustrates limitations of current DS research and concludes with a discussion of the future roles of DSs in CALL.

Author Biographies

  • Ana Oskoz, University of Maryland Baltimore County
    Ana Oskoz is an associate professor of Spanish at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her research focuses on language and technology, such as the use of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools to enhance second language writing and foster intercultural competence development.
  • Idoia Elola, Texas Tech University
    Idoia Elola is an associate professor of Spanish and Applied Linguistics & Second Language Studies at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses mainly on second language writing, such as collaborative and individual writing when using Web 2.0 tools, Spanish heritage language learners’ writing processes, and revision and feedback.

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Published

2016-05-28

Issue

Section

Review article

How to Cite

Oskoz, A., & Elola, I. (2016). Digital Stories in L2 Education: Overview. CALICO Journal, 33(2), 157-173. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v33i2.29295