This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The Implementation of Digital Storytelling to Enhance Early Childhood Learning Experiences
Corresponding Author(s) : Marviola Hardini
Jurnal MENTARI: Manajemen, Pendidikan dan Teknologi Informasi,
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): March
Abstract
This study examines how digital storytelling can enhance early childhood learning experiences in preschool settings, in response to the growing integration of technology in education and the need to ensure its alignment with develop-mentally appropriate practices. The objective of this research is to explore how the implementation of digital storytelling influences children’s cognitive engagement, social interaction, and creative expression. Employing a qualitative de- scriptive approach, the study involves 18 children aged 4-6 years in a preschool setting and utilizes classroom observations, structured interviews with teachers, and documentation of learning activities to analyze the implementation process and its pedagogical impact. The findings indicate a tendency toward improved attention span, vocabulary development, and collaborative behavior, as well as enhanced imagination and emotional expression during digital storytelling ses- sions. Teachers reported that digital tools contributed to more interactive and adaptive learning environments, enabling children to connect personal experi- ences with narrative content in meaningful ways. The study concludes that integrating digital storytelling in early childhood education holds strong poten- tial as a developmentally aligned instructional strategy, supporting both child independence and holistic development. It further highlights the importance of thoughtful technological integration in preschool classrooms as a bridge be- tween modern educational innovation and child-centered learning philosophies.
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- M. D. Rahiem, “Storytelling in early childhood education: Time to go digital,” International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 4, 2021.
- I. Siswanti, H. A. Riyadh, L. C. Nawangsari, Y. F. Cahaya, and Y. M. Putra, “Integrating green banking into sustainable development strategies for commercial bank efficiency,” Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 351–364, 2026.
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- A. Rozi, J. Junengsih, S. Alam, A. Pawar, W. Sumarjo, and D. Sunarsi, “Impact of hr management on ai implementation and data protection in indonesian manufacturing,” International Journal of Cyber and IT Service Management (IJCITSM), vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 51–64, 2026.
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- H. Catalano, C. Catalano et al., “Using digital storytelling in early childhood education to promote child centredness,” European Proceedings of Educational Sciences, 2022.
- E. Nurelah, L. Nuraeni et al., “Digital storytelling: Penerapan media pembelajaran untuk meningkatkan kemampuan bahasa reseptif anak usia 5-6 tahun,” CERIA (Cerdas Energik Responsif Inovatif Adaptif), vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 145–157, 2024.
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- J. Belda-Medina, “The effect of digital storytelling on english vocabulary learning in inclusive and diverse education,” International Journal of English Language Studies, 2024.
- V. Nair and M. M. Yunus, “A systematic review of digital storytelling in improving speaking skills,” Sustainability, vol. 13, no. 17, p. 9829, 2021.
- R. Evans, E. Kurniyaningrum, and N. Silawati, “A systematic literature review on the evolution of marketing research practices,” Startupreneur Business Digital (SABDA Journal), vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1–13, 2026.
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- D. Kim and M. Li, “Digital storytelling: Facilitating learning and identity development,” Journal of Computers in Education, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 33–61, 2021.
- U. Rahardja, Q. Aini, A. S. Bist, S. Maulana, and S. Millah, “Examining the interplay of technology readiness and behavioural intentions in health detection safe entry station,” JDM (Jurnal Dinamika Manajemen), vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 125–143, 2024.
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- F. Tanrıkulu, “Students’ perceptions about the effects of collaborative digital storytelling on writing skills,” Computer Assisted Language Learning, vol. 35, no. 5-6, pp. 1090–1105, 2022.
- S. Watini, Q. Aini, U. Rahardja, N. P. L. Santoso, and D. Apriliasari, “Class dojolms in the interactive learning of paud educators in the disruption era 4.0,” Journal of Innovation in Educational and Cultural Research, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 215–225, 2022.
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- P. Dewi and D. E. Sari, “Perception of digital storytelling in overcoming fear for speaking english through interdisciplinary project of gender issues,” IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1635–ˆa, 2022.
- N. Parsazadeh, P.-Y. Cheng, T.-T. Wu, and Y.-M. Huang, “Integrating computational thinking concept into digital storytelling to improve learners’ motivation and performance,” Journal of Educational Computing Research, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 470–495, 2021.
- T. S. Agustina, A. T. GENC¸ , and A. Prasetyo, “Spiritual capital innovative work behavior and subjective well being of startup founders,” Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 365–376, 2026.
- I. Maulina et al., “Efektivitas digital story telling melalui video animasi untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara anak,” Jurnal Dunia Pendidikan, vol. 5, no. 5, pp. 1752–1761, 2025.
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References
M. D. Rahiem, “Storytelling in early childhood education: Time to go digital,” International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 4, 2021.
I. Siswanti, H. A. Riyadh, L. C. Nawangsari, Y. F. Cahaya, and Y. M. Putra, “Integrating green banking into sustainable development strategies for commercial bank efficiency,” Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 351–364, 2026.
S. Purnama, M. Ulfah, L. Ramadani, B. Rahmatullah, and I. F. Ahmad, “Digital storytelling trends in early childhood education in indonesia: A systematic literature review,” JPUD-Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 17–31, 2022.
D. Manullang, H. Banjarnahor, and L. Simanjuntak, “Developing digital story telling and educational games to improve early childhood cognitive ability,” in 6th Annual International Seminar on Transformative Education and Educational Leadership (AISTEEL 2021). Atlantis Press, 2021, pp. 710–718.
A. Rozi, J. Junengsih, S. Alam, A. Pawar, W. Sumarjo, and D. Sunarsi, “Impact of hr management on ai implementation and data protection in indonesian manufacturing,” International Journal of Cyber and IT Service Management (IJCITSM), vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 51–64, 2026.
J. Jitsupa, P. Nilsook, N. Songsom, R. Siriprichayakorn, and C. Yakeaw, “Early childhood imagineering: A model for developing digital storytelling.” International Education Studies, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 89–101, 2022.
H. Catalano, C. Catalano et al., “Using digital storytelling in early childhood education to promote child centredness,” European Proceedings of Educational Sciences, 2022.
E. Nurelah, L. Nuraeni et al., “Digital storytelling: Penerapan media pembelajaran untuk meningkatkan kemampuan bahasa reseptif anak usia 5-6 tahun,” CERIA (Cerdas Energik Responsif Inovatif Adaptif), vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 145–157, 2024.
L. Novianti, N. Azizah, M. Mardiana, and C. Perez, “A converged blockchain and artificial intelligence approach for strengthening transparency and trust in digital enterprises,” ADI Journal on Recent Innovation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 125–136, 2026.
S. Fadillah, H. Filtri et al., “Penggunaan media digital storytelling interaktif: Pemahaman nilai-nilai moral anak usia dini di tk bhayangkari 3 kota pekanbaru,” Pedagogi: Jurnal Anak Usia Dini dan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 122–131, 2025.
J. Belda-Medina, “The effect of digital storytelling on english vocabulary learning in inclusive and diverse education,” International Journal of English Language Studies, 2024.
V. Nair and M. M. Yunus, “A systematic review of digital storytelling in improving speaking skills,” Sustainability, vol. 13, no. 17, p. 9829, 2021.
R. Evans, E. Kurniyaningrum, and N. Silawati, “A systematic literature review on the evolution of marketing research practices,” Startupreneur Business Digital (SABDA Journal), vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1–13, 2026.
I. Fadillah and K. Dini, “Digital storytelling sebagai strategi baru meningkatkan minat literasi generasi muda,” Journal of education science, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 81–98, 2021.
I. K. Dewi, E. Haryati, and A. Chandra, “Story telling dan pembentukan karakter anak usia dini,” Jurnal Obsesi: Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 5531–5538, 2023.
K. Khotimah and R. P. Sari, “Mengevaluasi berbagai teknik storytelling untuk pendidikan anak usia dini: Sebuah studi literatur,” Efektor, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 45–52, 2025.
A. Rizky, R. W. Nugroho, W. Sejati, O. Sy et al., “Optimizing blockchain digital signature security in driving innovation and sustainable infrastructure,” Blockchain Frontier Technology, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 183–192, 2025.
D. Kim and M. Li, “Digital storytelling: Facilitating learning and identity development,” Journal of Computers in Education, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 33–61, 2021.
U. Rahardja, Q. Aini, A. S. Bist, S. Maulana, and S. Millah, “Examining the interplay of technology readiness and behavioural intentions in health detection safe entry station,” JDM (Jurnal Dinamika Manajemen), vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 125–143, 2024.
A. A. Tabieh, M. M. Al-Hileh, H. M. A. Afifa, and H. Y. Abuzagha, “The effect of using digital storytelling on developing active listening and creative thinking skills,” European Journal of Educational Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 13–21, 2021.
D. Saripudin, K. Komalasari, and D. N. Anggraini, “Value-based digital storytelling learning media to foster student character.” International Journal of Instruction, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 369–384, 2021.
L. Meria, C. S. Bangun, and J. Edwards, “Exploring sustainable strategies for education through the adoption of digital circular economy principles,” International Transactions on Education Technology (ITEE), vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 62–71, 2024.
W. Wirda, “Pemanfaatan digital storytelling dalam mengajarkan nilai-nilai sosial budaya pada siswa sd,” Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin Mahasiswa dan Akademisi, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 78–88, 2025.
T. P. Astuti et al., “Peningkatan minat baca siswa melalui penerapan pembelajaran berbasis digital storytelling di sdn 3 ledok kabupaten blora,” Impact: Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat, vol. 1, no. 01, pp. 40–48, 2024.
G. G¨ursoy, “Digital storytelling: Developing 21st century skills in science education.” European Journal of Educational Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 97–113, 2021.
R. Indrawan, E. D. Very, D. Tribuana, and E. A. Nabila, “Aiot driven smart solar system for real time predictive sustainable energy management,” International Transactions on Artificial Intelligence, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 105–114, 2025.
H. R. Puspitasari, N. Widiarti, and B. Subali, “Digital storytelling for enjoyable and effective learning in the technological era (2020–2025),” Pedagogia: Jurnal Pendidikan, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 161–173, 2025.
O. M. Ijiga, G. P. Ifenatuora, and M. Olateju, “Digital storytelling as a tool for enhancing stem engagement: A multimedia approach to science communication in k-12 education,” International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 495–505, 2021.
K. Hava, “Exploring the role of digital storytelling in student motivation and satisfaction in efl education,” Computer Assisted Language Learning, vol. 34, no. 7, pp. 958–978, 2021.
M. Siahaan, R. Sunarjo, R. Sebastian, and S. Wahid, “The role of natural language processing in enhancing chatbot effectiveness for e-government services,” Journal of Computer Science and Technology Application, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 65–74, 2025.
Y.-T. C. Yang, Y.-C. Chen, and H.-T. Hung, “Digital storytelling as an interdisciplinary project to improve students’ english speaking and creative thinking,” Computer Assisted Language Learning, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 840–862, 2022.
S. A. S. Rini and A. Mahabbati, “Storytelling based on contextual learning with hand puppets in early childhood language development: Metode storytelling berbasis contextual learning dengan boneka tangan pada perkembangan bahasa anak usia dini,” Indonesian Journal of Innovation Studies, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 10–21 070, 2025.
F. Tanrıkulu, “Students’ perceptions about the effects of collaborative digital storytelling on writing skills,” Computer Assisted Language Learning, vol. 35, no. 5-6, pp. 1090–1105, 2022.
S. Watini, Q. Aini, U. Rahardja, N. P. L. Santoso, and D. Apriliasari, “Class dojolms in the interactive learning of paud educators in the disruption era 4.0,” Journal of Innovation in Educational and Cultural Research, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 215–225, 2022.
J. Siswanto, V. A. Goeltom, I. N. Hikam, E. A. Lisangan, and A. Fitriani, “Market trend analysis and data-based decision making in increasing business competitiveness,” Sundara Advanced Research on Artificial Intelligence, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2025.
R. Fitriyani, E. Rahmawati, and R. P. S. Indah, “Analisis metode bercerita berbasis digital untuk meningkatkan minat baca pada anak usia dini,” Jurnal Kridatama Sains dan Teknologi, vol. 7, no. 01, pp. 114–122, 2025.
C. Perez, F. N. Khasanah, Y. Ismiyanti, H. Herman et al., “Curriculum innovation and technology based learning for digital skills in vocational education,” Jurnal MENTARI: Manajemen, Pendidikan Dan Teknologi Informasi, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 94–104, 2025.
BBGTK Sumatera Utara. (2024) Digitalisasi dongeng: Cara jitu meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara anak usia dini. Balai Besar Guru Penggerak dan Tenaga Kependidikan Sumatera Utara, Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah. Diakses pada 6 Maret 2026. [Online]. Available: https://bbgtksumut.kemendikdasmen.go.id/ digitalisasi-dongeng-cara-jitu-meningkatkan-kemampuan-berbicara-anak-usia-dini/
H.-L. Chen and Y.-C. Chuang, “The effects of digital storytelling games on high school students’ critical thinking skills,” Journal of computer assisted learning, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 265–274, 2021.
P. Dewi and D. E. Sari, “Perception of digital storytelling in overcoming fear for speaking english through interdisciplinary project of gender issues,” IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1635–ˆa, 2022.
N. Parsazadeh, P.-Y. Cheng, T.-T. Wu, and Y.-M. Huang, “Integrating computational thinking concept into digital storytelling to improve learners’ motivation and performance,” Journal of Educational Computing Research, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 470–495, 2021.
T. S. Agustina, A. T. GENC¸ , and A. Prasetyo, “Spiritual capital innovative work behavior and subjective well being of startup founders,” Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 365–376, 2026.
I. Maulina et al., “Efektivitas digital story telling melalui video animasi untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berbicara anak,” Jurnal Dunia Pendidikan, vol. 5, no. 5, pp. 1752–1761, 2025.
D. T. K. Ng, W. Luo, H. M. Y. Chan, and S. K. W. Chu, “Using digital story writing as a pedagogy to develop ai literacy among primary students,” Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, vol. 3, p. 100054, 2022.