Technology-Focused Visual Communication and Digital Storytelling as a Dynamic Visual Communication Path for Children

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of participatory observation and a participatory-design-based digital storytelling approach on young children's visual communication preferences. It examined students' visual communication language and subjects affected by their daily life and social interaction with each other based on participatory observation and a participatory-design-based digital storytelling approach. The study used a sampling of 5 to 6-year-old children in a private preschool in Eskisehir, Turkey. Students were asked to create stories based on their favorite items and related to their daily lives, social lives, and social interactions. It was found that the visual language preferences of the majority of the students was constructed by popular culture images and real-life themes. Based on the research findings, it was observed that the active participation of children in the young age group related to digital storytelling structured an effective visual communication language process. In this context, through the process of digital storytelling, it was observed that children use technology with active participation, express themselves effectively and efficiency employ critical thinking abilities. This study is important for establishing indicators of visual communication in early childhood and being an example study of these subjects.