The Impact of Digital Storytelling Applications on Enhancing Critical Thinking Abilities in Higher Education Students

Abdur Rosyid; Nur Fauzia; Diana Budi Darma; Fithriyah Inda Nur Abida; Risman Iye

doi:10.59110/rcsd.497

Authors

Abdur Rosyid Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Nur Fauzia Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Diana Budi Darma Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Fithriyah Inda Nur Abida Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Risman Iye Universitas Iqra Buru, Namlea, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59110/rcsd.497

Keywords:

Critical Thinking Skills, Digital Storytelling Applications, Multimedia Learning, Student Engagement

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of using digital storytelling applications on the development of students' critical thinking skills within a learning context. It employs a qualitative approach, using observation, interviews, and document analysis to gather data. 46 students are participated in a digital storytelling project for 1 semester that required them to organize, analyze, and critically present information using digital applications such as Adobe Spark and Canva. The findings indicate that the use of digital storytelling applications significantly contributes to the development of students' critical thinking skills. These applications enable students to integrate various media—such as text, images, audio, and video—encouraging them to think critically about the most effective way to convey messages. Additionally, digital storytelling applications prompt students to evaluate information more thoroughly, develop strong arguments, and present them creatively and logically. Based on the research data, digital storytelling applications are also shown to be effective in enhancing students' critical thinking skills and hold potential for broader integration into education as innovative and interactive learning tools.

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