Black Digital Storytelling Showcase Features Student Projects Using Innovative Technology

On April 29, Chy'Na Nellon, M.A., M.Ed., instructor for the undergraduate course Black Digital Storytelling, held the end-of-semester student showcase at the World Languages and Digital Humanities Studio, J.B. Hunt Center, room 207. This was the third student showcase for this course, and it enabled students to display the multimedia projects they completed this semester to all those in attendance.  

Attendees of the showcase were able to view the students' work through Frame VR, which allows students to create their own virtual rooms that serve as a gallery for their digital projects. Attendees were able to tour their virtual rooms via computer or through VR headsets. 

Nellon, a Ph.D. student in the Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies Program and WLDH Studio researcher, reflected on her students' work:  

"I am excited for our students to have the opportunity to share their work and showcase the accomplishments and skillsets they have gained over the last 16 weeks. It takes a high level of rigor and commitment to complete this course and produce these amazing projects." 

Over the course of the semester, students produced digital projects such as a podcast featuring an interview with a U of A faculty member or a professional from the private sector, two digital stories including a silent story (using only images, sound effects and music), a short film on a topic of their choosing and a VR space. The subject matter students chose was both individual and timely, ranging from their own journeys in life to current sociopolitical issues they are personally invested in. By the end of the semester, students gained multimedia literacy skills, presentation skills, professional networking opportunities and software experience. 

Linda Jones, chair of the Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures, attended the showcase and shared her thoughts on the course's incorporation of innovative technologies and focus on professional development: 

"What a hidden gem discovered during the Black Digital Storytelling event! I was amazed at the work the students put into their projects, their ability to use life changing technologies to express themselves visually and verbally, and their enthusiasm for continuing their work and expressing themselves through digital humanities. What a wonderful asset to their personal and professional development at the UA!" 

Black Digital Storytelling provides basic knowledge of the range of capabilities of available audio and video design applications through the intersection of technology, story and pedagogy, offering perspective, personalization and insight. Curtis Maughan, director of the WLDH Studio, discussed the importance of the Black Digital Storytelling course and its impact on innovative scholarship:  

"Black Digital Storytelling is a truly innovative course that encourages students to engage with digital platforms as both creative practitioners and critical thinkers. Chy'Na's conceptualization of this course—which blends critical making with cutting-edge scholarship—is truly visionary and daring. I'm thrilled that the WLDH Studio had the chance to host this showcase for the third semester in row; it is always inspiring to meet these amazing students and to explore their digital projects!" 

Black Digital Storytelling is under the course catalog as AAST 33503 and is offered in both fall and spring semesters for three credit hours. No prerequisites are required. Enroll in Black Digital Storytelling for fall 2025 via Workday.