Digital storytelling to enhance speaking skills

Abstract

Developing English speaking skills remains a challenge for many students learning the language as a foreign language (EFL). This is due to a lack of confidence, motivation, and opportunities to practice in situations that truly matter. This project aimed to analyze how digital storytelling can serve as a useful tool for improving these skills. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed, focusing on the participants' experiences and perceptions. Students from the Universidad Peninsula De Santa Elena (UPSE) participated in the study, sharing their impressions regarding the use of digital storytelling in their English classes. The results indicated that this strategy helps improve fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence when communicating in English. Furthermore, it was observed that creating and telling digital stories boosts student motivation, creativity, and active participation, offering them the chance to practice the language in a dynamic and meaningful environment. The study concludes that digital storytelling is an effective pedagogical strategy for strengthening speaking skills and fostering more interactive, student-centered learning, provided that teachers plan its implementation appropriately.