World Applied Sciences Journal 21 (Special Issue of Studies in Language Teaching and Learning): 28-35, 2013 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2013 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.21.sltl.2134 Corresponding Authors: Azmi Abdul Latiff, Faculty of Science, Technology and Human Development, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. 28 Pre-Service ESL Teachers’ Perceptions of Parody Integration in Digital Stories Azmi Abdul Latiff and Nuraihan Mat Daud 1 2 Faculty of Science Technology and Human Development, 1 Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Faculty of Languages and Management, 2 International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract: Advancement in digital technology has led to the increase in popularity of digital videos. Online videos are easily accessible to users through Youtube and similar networks. The language learning and teaching field in particular has also benefitted from the technological advancements in digital video production. One of its uses is in the teaching of language through humour. The use of digital videos could help create a humorous atmosphere in the class. Substantial number of research has been conducted on the use of humor in language classes but most of them are based onprinted materials. This study attempts to use the videos on Youtube to create parody as a means of developing their language skills. It seeks to investigate students’ perception of integrating elements of humour in the digital stories. The study aimsto capture the language of humor used by the studentsthrough the videos that they produced. In order to do this, a groupof ESL pre-service teachers were given the task to produce a humorous video-based (on Youtube) digital story. Self-administered online questionnaire was used to elicit their responses. Overall, most of the teacher trainees gave positive feedback to the given task. From the pedagogical perspective, the research concludes that producing humorous video-based digital story could be used to improve students’ language skills. Key words: Digital storytelling Parody Humor Perception Writing INTRODUCTION With technological advancements, storytelling Technology advancementhas opened up technologies offer multi-media means of storytelling. opportunities to improve learner engagement. The arrival Stories can now be delivered through a mixture of digital of Web 2.0 for instance, has witnessed the use of Web 2.0 components that may include computer-based images, applications such as blogs, Twitter and Facebook for texts, recorded audios, video clips and/or background language learning purposes [1, 2, 3]. The advancementin music [5]. According to [4], digital stories are narrative technology hasalso given a new lease of life to some entertainments that reach the audience via digital traditional classroom activities. Onesuch activity is technology and media-microprocessors, wireless signals, storytelling. Traditionally, a storytelling activity in a class the Web, DVDs and other digital means. In other words, involves either the teacher or one of the students telling digital stories interweave different media to enhance the a story in front of the class. Some storytellers tell their art of storytelling. stories interactively to make their stories interesting [4] Another feature that a storyteller can include to make explains that interactive storytelling can be traced way his story more interesting is humor. Many people enjoy back to prehistoric years when a storyteller performed his storytellers who are humorous. Suggestions have been narration around a campfire. There was no fixed storyline made to incorporate humor into the language classroom and the storyteller would shape and mould his story [6]. Substantial number of research has been conducted based onthe audience’sreactions. Some traditional on the use of humor in language classes. Teachers have storytellers usedaids, props or realia to enhance their employed humor to reduce tension, alleviate boredom presentations but the story was narrated orally. and maintain student interest and comfort [7, 8, 9]. activities have taken on a modern twist. Digital