Chapter 13 | Applications of Digital Storytelling
The chapter explores the variety of uses digital storytelling can be applied to, such as health and human services, disability struggles and representing identity and diversity just to name a few. Digital storytelling is more than entertainment or pursuing an audience; it is about representing your truest self in any given field and providing honest and significant stories which relate to your personal experiences and connections. Digital storytelling comes in all shapes, forms and colors; and remains without judgment, a viable resource to any and all individuals who have a story to tell and a willingness to listen.
Chapter 14 | Silence Speaks, Interview with Amy Hill
The chapter explores the therapeutic benefits of digital storytelling through which survivors and witnesses of trauma reclaim their stories and voices. The program lends a hand to marginalized communities (i.e. poor people, immigrants, women, etc.) who do not hold a permanent place in society to speak their truths and personal stories regarding first-hand experiences of violence and trauma. In this program, storytelling provides participants the tools to reassert their control and perspective on the trauma that occurred as well as provide an environment to potentially heal themselves and emotionally support their peers along the way.
Chapter 15 | Listening to Change: Stories From Alaska's Native Health Communities, Interview with Laura Revels
The chapter discusses the power of storytelling within public health communication as it facilitates conversation about health issues from a place of strength rather than weakness. Because storytelling does not come from an outside authority, but rather from within, provides the community the opportunity to share issues, experiences and concerns affecting the community today and how to overcome them. Sharing stories raises the opportunity to talk about issues otherwise deemed uncomfortable (i.e. cancer) and provide the community to learn from one of their own members as well as learn the measures they should take to safeguard their health and livelihood.
Chapter 16 | Humanizing Healthcare, A Conversation With Dr. Pip Hardy and Tony Sumner
The chapter discusses the implementation of storytelling in an effort to bring a more humanistic perspective of the healthcare system, one which has become increasingly systematic. Storytellers who contribute to the program are patients, professionals, or those involved in family care. While the program was conceived to embed these personal stories within educational programming, it has instead evolved to become a therapeutic release and form of healing for the storytellers involved to share personal experiences with viewers who may need guidance or reflection of choices that may need to be made.
Chapter 17 | Transforming Education Through Story Work, A Conversation With Dr. Brooke Hessler
The chapter discusses the significance of implementing digital storytelling in education and classroom-based work for students and teachers of all grade levels as well as college. The focus of storytelling remains on mindfully capturing and acknowledging moments of learning, academic or otherwise, and developing these reflections into story-worthy experiences. Having adventures or experiences along the way is key, as any mundane moments can quickly become pivotal and influence storytelling breakthroughs.