Mediascapes. Transmedia digital Storytelling for audiovisual and media literacy skills

Mediascapes’ main objective was the experimentation and promotion of new forms of teaching and learning in isolated and/or vulnerable territorial contexts through the application of transmedia sto...

Mediascapes’ main objective was the experimentation and promotion of new forms of teaching and learning in isolated and/or vulnerable territorial contexts through the application of transmedia storytelling and audiovisual languages to facilitate student engagement in teaching and learning processes, as a response to phenomena such as dropout, disinterest, and low participation. Storytelling and the digital dimension through creativity were the main elements, as recognized by the European Framework of Key Competences. Specifically, Mediascapes aimed to foster the development and growth of both technical and soft skills such as communication, language, critical thinking, digital media, narrative, team building, as well as knowledge on non-formal , among students, teachers, operators, technicians, and staff from partner organizations, involving a large part of the educational community. Furthermore, the project to make a significant contribution to research on the application of transmedia storytelling and audiovisual media in education, starting from the involved countries. Finally, it aimed to support the growth of the involved partners by offering them the opportunity to access a European dimension and engage in networking.

In the first phase, Mediascapes conducted a methodological research (A2) on transmedia storytelling applied to education, carried out through a bibliographic survey and interviews with teachers, professors, and trainers from both involved countries. The results contributed to defining the methodological framework for the transmedia storytelling workshops (A3), which were then conducted in three classes at I.C. Emma Castelnuovo in the Ponte di Nona district of Rome and in two classes at Escola Secundária de Viriato in Viseu, Portugal, involving students aged between 10 and 14 years. To maximize impact, teachers were involved in all phases of the process, supporting researchers, trainers, and staff in understanding the school context and the needs of the classes. Additionally, training sessions (A4) on the language of transmedia storytelling applied to education were organized, and finally, three dissemination events were held to share the results and stimulate new reflections.

The main result of Mediascapes was the creation of the handbook, a free digital resource that includes the theoretical part with an extensive bibliography and reference websites, best practices, in-depth materials, interviews with experts, and the practical part with an account of the classroom workshop experimentation, along with advice, tools, and practical activities. This resource also includes "the toolbox" and is aimed at teachers, trainers, educators, organizations, and all those interested in contributing to the innovation of teaching through the languages of audiovisual media, storytelling, digital tools, and creativity. Additionally, the classes involved created three short films: “Improvviso!”, “Origami”, and “On the Move!”, which represent the experimentation of these languages in the classroom. Finally, Mediascapes created a playlist of video clips as extra output, which compiles the main reflections of the experts interviewed, with the aim of promoting wide dissemination, training, and information on the topic. All the content is accessible, concise, and free, and has been translated or accompanied by English subtitles.