Digital Stories on the Anthropocene: Transforming Student Experiential Learning and Creativity

Based on action learning, we propose a new use of digital story telling (DST) in sustainability in management education (SiME). Using thematic analysis (TA), we analyze a set of 63 student generated DST films on the Anthropocene to propose an experiential learning framework based on five key learning domains: the Planetary Boundaries, scale issues (time and place), complex governance (levels of approach), social justice (humans and animals), and environmental justice. This innovative framework will help instructors introduce and conceptualize the Anthropocene to business students while promoting cognitive, behavioral, emotional, experiential, and creative learning needed to manage business sustainably while becoming less impactful key drivers and amplifiers of planetary change. Our proposed multi-modal/multi-dimensional framework aims to transform our current education system by offering a point of entry to educators and students on the Anthropocene, while encouraging teaching and research on issues of high societal and future relevance.