The session introduces a novel educational approach by integrating digital storytelling with emotional well-being in higher education—a combination that remains underexplored in academic settings. What sets this proposal apart is its interdisciplinary fusion of media education and educational psychology, enabling students not only to acquire creative digital skills but also to engage in meaningful self-expression and emotional reflection. By leveraging accessible multimedia tools (e.g., Canva, Clipchamp), the session democratizes digital creativity, making it inclusive for all students regardless of prior media experience. The innovation also lies in storytelling as a therapeutic and pedagogical method. The workshop invites students to draw from personal or collective experiences to craft narratives, transforming them into short videos that represent their inner thoughts and strengths. This process supports emotional regulation and fosters a sense of belonging and connection among participants. Moreover, the methodology is adaptable across disciplines and educational levels, with the potential to be embedded into broader curricula within INGENIUM institutions. The interactive, student-centered format aligns with 21st-century skills development and promotes a culture of well well-being-focused education. By blending creativity with reflective learning, it introduces an innovative teaching model that empowers students holistically— emotionally, cognitively, and socially.

This interactive session uses digital storytelling as a pedagogical tool to promote student well-being, emotional expression, and reflective thinking through creative media practices. Bridging media education and educational psychology, the workshop engages students in the creation of digital narratives based on their personal or collective experiences. Participants will be introduced to the theoretical background of storytelling as a means of emotional regulation and social connection, followed by a hands-on activity where they will design and share their own multimedia stories using simple, accessible tools (mobile apps, audio-visual materials, or free online platforms). The impact of this approach will be assessed through student feedback and reflections on how the storytelling process influenced their personal growth. This method is scalable across various disciplines and can be adapted for different educational levels. Furthermore, it has the potential to be integrated into future curricula across INGENIUM institutions, fostering a long-term culture of creative and well-being-focused teaching.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Understand the educational and psychological benefits of storytelling in higher education.
Gain basic knowledge of digital storytelling techniques.
Create and share short narrative-based digital projects using multimedia tools.
Reflect on the role of narrative in promoting emotional literacy, empathy, and student agency.