Students’ perceptions of digital storytelling in primarily asynchronous EFL classes at a Japanese university

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the initial use of Digital Storytelling (DS) in primarily asynchronous classes in order to yield results and recommendations for future courses. All participants were students in elective English courses at a Japanese university in Spring, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the courses were redesigned and conducted remotely with the use of pre-recorded materials. Data were collected through a post-questionnaire. This short paper reports what was found from the data by analysing the questionnaire with CALL evaluation criteria developed by Jamieson, Chapelle, and Preiss (2005). From the post-questionnaire, it was revealed that the DS assignment was perceived positively to some extent in remote learning settings. However, it also highlighted the need for further in-depth technical and language support and interactive learning opportunities.