E-Portfolios

Very similar to digital storytelling is an e-portfolio, which "enable students to collect work and reflections on their learning through text, imagery, and multimedia artifacts" (Fischman, 2009). The students use multimedia to present a "student's accomplishments and activities" such as "papers, problem sets, pictures from study-abroad stints" as an "extensive resume" for potential employers(Young, 2002).The positive effects of using multimedia in this way are also similar to those of digital storytelling in that "students in ePortfolio classes… are more likely to demonstrate high degrees of engagement in critical thinking, writing, and collaborative learning" (Fischman, 2009).

Conclusion

Classroom lectures, assignments and exams that employ multimedia often cultivate better student performance as it hones problem solving skills, invigorates student involvement and motivation, and can cater to the specific learning style of the student. It is because of these capabilities that multimedia can provide benefits in many different educational contexts. Though it is better suited for "academic-related content," multimedia involves such a diverse way of thinking that it can enrich skills that reach beyond the classroom and into daily life.