MULTIMODAL DIGITAL STORYTELLING AND STORYBIRD FOR EFL WRITING SKILL DEVELOPMENT: A NARRATIVE THEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Digital technology has changed the way we teach by facilitating interactive and multimodal learning. Digital storytelling (DST) is one new way of doing this. DST combines text, images, audio, and video with a story so that students can learn, create, and interact with content in a meaningful way. This study is a thematic narrative literature review that synthesizes research on DST and the Storybird platform, focusing on multimodal learning and writing skill development. Relevant studies were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic adaptation analysis to identify patterns, benefits, and weaknesses in the research. The findings of this review indicate that DST enhances engagement, cognitive processing, and multimodal communication, while Storybird facilitates narrative organization, idea development, and creative expression. Both increase motivation, reduce writing anxiety, and facilitate multimodal literacy. However, most studies emphasize learning outcomes, while the cognitive and procedural mechanisms underlying multimodal learning and writing remain understudied. This study emphasizes the importance of qualitative and process-oriented research to understand how learners integrate various modes, develop creative skills, and optimize the potential of Digital Storytelling Technology (DST) in technology-based education.