The Influence of Digital Storytelling on Bridging Cultural Gaps for Readers: Educators’ Perspectives

Digital storytelling has emerged as a transformative medium that bridges cultural gaps by allowing individuals to share personal narratives in an accessible, engaging format. As educators work towards inclusive learning environments, the significance of digital storytelling in bridging cultural disparities has become a central focus. Examining educators' viewpoints provides a crucial understanding of how this platform can promote cross-cultural communication and improve educational achievements. This study investigates the influence of digital storytelling on bridging cultural gaps for readers and gathers insights from 42 teachers. A structured questionnaire gathered quantitative data on teachers' perceptions of digital storytelling's effectiveness, challenges, and role in cultural education. The analysis revealed that most teachers perceive digital storytelling as effective in helping students understand and appreciate different cultures, significantly impacting students' ability to connect with diverse perspectives. However, teachers face challenges aligning digital storytelling with curriculum standards and addressing technical issues. They employ strategies such as integrating digital storytelling into the curriculum and providing technical training to overcome these. Overall, the findings suggest that while digital storytelling is not yet fully integrated, educators recognize its potential in bridging cultural gaps and promoting inclusive learning. The study provides insights to inform professional development, resource provision, and curriculum design for effective integration of digital storytelling in cultural education.