Within the framework of the European program ACAδIMIA – «ACADIMIA-European Teachers’ Academy for Creative and Inclusive Learning» – the creative methodology Digital Storytelling was implemented to the students of the 1st High School of Gerakas on the 14th of February and the 14th of March 2025.
After a class was held on 31st of January 2025, where students explored the meaning and social impact of a statue in a public space, through the study of the work “The Rape of Persephone” by Girardon François, on the 14th of February 2025, they were divided into groups – a young woman, a father with his son, a little girl, a middle-aged man, a couple of pensioners – and created dialogues initially on paper. Then, after being taught basic commands in Scratch (command groups from Events, Control, Motion, Looks) they created digital narratives in Scratch.
The roles they took on as “spectators” of the statue helped them express different points of view and put themselves in the shoes of other social groups. They were excited by the possibility of “bringing to life” their stories through Scratch.
This activity was a dynamic synthesis of artistic awareness, social reflection and technological creativity. Through the study of the statue of François Girardon, the students came into contact with issues concerning the position of women, the concept of public art and the social dialogue surrounding the interpretation of a work.
At the second class, on the 14th of March 2025, on Digital Storytelling, the students used Abby and Dee as characters, and the beach as a backdrop, creating a digital narrative. They participated enthusiastically and they used their imagination, collaboration, and technological skills. Through the dialogue between the characters on the beach, they highlighted contemporary issues with sensitivity and creativity, connecting cultural heritage or environmental awareness with their personal reflections. The simple image of two characters conversing by the sea became a starting point for reflection, expression, and the development of essential skills.
