The Animated Interactive Storylines for Global Health project leverages digital storytelling to engage undergraduate students with key concepts in global health through immersive, web-based learning modules. The project centres on two core topics: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the history of international aid.
Using animated narratives, students follow fictional characters as they navigate real-world health challenges, deepening their understanding of complex global health issues in a format that is both accessible and compelling. The storylines are grounded in pedagogical principles that promote critical thinking, empathy and application of course content. Each module is complemented by interactive questions, reflection exercises and accompanying instructional tools such as teaching notes, answer keys and video transcripts.
Outcomes
The project resulted in the successful development and dissemination of two fully accessible, web-based animated modules:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Set in the fictional village of Dewroze, this module introduces students to characters such as Ada and her family as they navigate challenges related to food security, water access, and health systems—providing a human-centred entry point into the SDGs.
- History of International Aid: This module explores the emergence and evolution of foreign aid institutions and global development initiatives, helping students trace the roots and complexities of international health systems and policy.
Each module includes a full suite of pedagogical supports—reflection questions, video transcripts, teaching notes, and answer keys—designed to foster active learning. The modules are currently accessible through the Global Health & Innovation Lab, and the storylines and reflection questions are also published in the Western Repository to support broad dissemination.