The Erasmus+ project DIST-SEED, which runs until August 2025, integrates digital storytelling (DST) and social-emotional education (SE) to improve adult learning, especially for young adults facing socio-economic and emotional challenges. By improving digital skills of educators, fostering self-empowerment of learners and promoting inclusion through innovative methodologies, the project is directly aligned with the Erasmus+ priorities of digital transformation, professional development and diversity in education (European Commission, 2023). This novel approach uses storytelling to improve digital literacy, emotional intelligence and social engagement, equipping learners with essential life and work skills. By integrating DST and SE, DIST-SEED aims to create a transformative and engaging learning experience.
Research shows that storytelling is a powerful learning tool that increases retention, emotional connection and cognitive engagement (Hasson et al., 2010). While DST has been widely used in school education, especially for children and young people, its potential in adult education remains under-exploited. Similarly, while SE education has been implemented in some countries, its integration with DST is unprecedented in the education sector. This unique approach forms the basis of a pioneering pedagogical framework to be tested and developed within the DIST-SEED project.

The DIST-SEED methodology combined qualitative research, capacity building activities and practical implementation to improve adult learning. It began with the development of a theoretical and methodological framework, informed by expert input and qualitative research. This included a discursive analysis to establish the conceptual foundations of the project, thirty video interviews with experts on digital storytelling (DST), social-emotional education (SE) and adult learning, and a collection of best practices. The project also created a video channel as an open educational resource for educators and learners. The next step was to strengthen the skills of trainers through practical training in DST-SE methodologies. Educators from seven partner organisations participated in workshops and role-plays to improve their digital literacy, emotional intelligence and pedagogical strategies. This directly equipped them with the tools needed to implement technology-enhanced learning. The main outcome of the project was the Digital Storytelling through Social-Emotional Education for Adults Toolkit. It included an Adult Educator's Guide with best practices and implementation guidelines, and a DST-SEED Practical Guide with exercises and digital tools for storytelling and social-emotional learning. This toolkit serves as a sustainable, transferable resource for the continued adoption of DST-SE education. Educators then applied their training in classroom workshops where adult learners created personal Digital Stories using multimedia elements and developed digital literacy, communication and social-emotional learning skills. The project produced around 100 Digital Stories, demonstrating its impact on learner engagement, skills development and emotional resilience. To ensure sustainability and scalability, the project integrated dissemination strategies, including open access resources, teacher-led training and policy recommendations advocating for DST and SE education in adult learning policies. Through these efforts, DIST-SEED contributed to transdisciplinary research and innovative educational frameworks in line with ECER 2025 (EERA, 2024).

The DIST-SEED project has demonstrated that the integration of Digital Storytelling (DST) and Social-Emotional Education (SE) has a profound impact on adult learners. The project is expected to improve digital literacy and emotional resilience in learners and trainers. Through innovative teacher training and the development of the DST-SE toolkit, the project has created a sustainable framework for the continued use of these practices in adult education. In addition, the creation of personal Digital Stories by learners has highlighted the power of storytelling to foster engagement and promote lifelong learning. This approach has proved effective in meeting the needs of diverse adult learners, particularly those facing socio-economic and emotional challenges. The outcomes of the project align with wider educational priorities and contribute to the ongoing transformation of adult learning practice.To ensure sustainability and scalability, the project integrated dissemination strategies, including open-access resources, educator-led training sessions, and policy recommendations advocating for DST and SE education in adult learning policies. Through these efforts, DIST-SEED has contributed to transdisciplinary research and innovative educational frameworks, in alignment with ECER 2025 (EERA, 2024).

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