For Educators

The Storytelling & Film: Senior Experience course at Old Dominion University is built around a work-based learning model that intentionally connects creative practice with career readiness. Developed in partnership with Next Generation Storytellers, the course immerses students in a professional-style film production environment where they collaborate across production teams, manage deadlines, solve complex creative challenges, and reflect on their growth through multimodal storytelling.

Through the production of original short films, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and a communal ePortfolio, students actively develop and demonstrate key National Association of Colleges and Employers Career Readiness Competencies including communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, critical thinking, technology, digital literacy, career and self-development, and equity and inclusion.

Rather than separating classroom learning from professional practice, the course positions storytelling itself as applied learning, giving students tangible experience, reflective tools, and portfolio-ready materials that support success in the creative industries and beyond.​ Through this process, students develop both creative expertise and career ready skills, including:
 

• Demonstrating professionalism through project management, and meeting production deadlines

• Practicing effective communication across creative, technical, and collaborative teams

• Applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills within active production environments

• Engaging in teamwork through shared responsibility through production

• Demonstrating adaptability in response to feedback, revision, and evolving project needs

• Building career and self-development skills through increased confidence in professional settings and experiential learning experiences