Please, watch this video first!

What is DST? Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling - modern thanks to our actual digital age. Kang et al. (2003), Shin and Park (2008) define “digital storytelling” as storytelling that is conducted using digital technology as the medium or method of expression, in particular using digital media in a computer-network environment.

Digital storytelling has 3 main characteristics:
Flexibility: creation of a non-linear story using digital media technology

Universality: anyone can become the producer of digital stories à Digital Citizenship

Interactivity: refers to the participation of users in the development of the stories using media characteristics that can be mutually exchanged à Communication and Collaboration.

Our topic: modernizing the Qarawiyyin mosque and university thanks to visuals to make the visit a unique touristic experience.

Tourism no longer simply focuses on transportation, accommodation and destinations, but places increased emphasis on the understanding of local cultures and the experiences of authentic local lifestyle.

As it has been studied, DST enhances the connections between places and people, bridges the past and the present, and transmits authentic cultural experiences through local memories and daily life stories in a multimedia format.

Purpose: What we want to do is to provide a video where students of the Qarawwin, local and foreign visitors share their experience and feedback. This video would be available over the internet on the Qarawwiyin’s website, social media, touristic website such as Guide du Routard, and at the site of Al Qarawiyyin itself.

Then, we will make a camera available at the Qarawiyyin to replace the classic book signing. Tourists will be able to film themselves giving their feedback about their experience and buy their CD at the end to keep their souvenir, and share it over the internet if they want to.

Sources: 

Xu, Y., Park, H., & Baek, Y. (2011). A New Approach Toward Digital Storytelling: An Activity Focused on Writing Selfefficacy in a Virtual Learning Environment. Educational Technology & Society, 14 (4), 181–191.

Qiongli, W. (2006). Commercialization of digital storytelling : An integrated approach for cultural tourism, the Beijing Olympics and wireless VAS, International Journal of Cultural Studies, 9: 383

Czarnecki, K. (2009). Chapter 3: How Digital Storytelling Builds 21st Century Skills, American library association, Vol 5, 7, 15-19