Exploring the Creative Potential of DHH Learners via Video Apps and Disability Theology: Imago Dei in the Body of Christ

Author

• Chanda Eleanor Miranda Blanco, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Date of Publication

1-21-2026

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education Major in Religious and Values Education

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Theology and Religious Education

Honor/Award

N/A

Thesis Advisor

Auria Arabit

Defense Panel Chair

Rebecca Cacho

Defense Panel Member

Fides Del Castillo

Dorothy Javier-Reyes

Abstract (English)

Centered on the creative potential of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) learners, this study investigates how digital tools like CapCut and Canva can empower DHH learners to express the Imago Dei through video editing. Grounded in Disability Theology, the research measures how ‘faith-based digital storytelling’ taps into the learner’s cognitive and conative creative resources. By applying the Modified Conjunctional Model of Creative Imaging and the Gestural Think-Aloud Protocol (GTAP), the study reveals that while the tools were highly usable (79.9%), the DHH learners’ realized creative expression ranged between 46.5% and 54.8%, highlighting distinct opportunities for growth in Religious Education. While creativity remains at the “Developing” stage, learners consistently manifest theological virtues, such as collaboration, honesty, empathy, and stewardship, reflecting their growth in spiritual and moral discernment aligned with RE objectives. CapCut demonstrated higher usability than Canva, though both tools require accessibility enhancements. Theologically, the integration of usability and creativity affirms inclusive design as an expression of divine image-bearing and ecclesial belonging, positioning DHH learners not as passive recipients but as active co-creators in the faith-learning process. Ultimately, faith-based digital storytelling emerges as a transformative pedagogical practice that fosters theological understanding, nurtures faith formation, and celebrates the dignity and giftedness of every learner as Imago Dei.

Keywords: DHH learners, Imago Dei, Usability, Creative Potential, Inclusive Education

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Nakatuon sa malikhaing potensyal ng mga mag-aaral na Bingi at Mahina ang Pandinig (Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing o DHH), sinisiyasat ng pag-aaral na ito kung paano maaaring magbigay-lakas ang mga digital na kasangkapan tulad ng CapCut at Canva sa mga DHH na mag-aaral upang maipahayag ang Imago Dei sa pamamagitan ng pag-eedit ng bidyo. Nakaugat sa Teolohiya ng Kapansanan (Disability Theology), sinusukat ng pananaliksik kung paano ginagamit ng “faith-based digital storytelling” ang mga kognitibo at konatibong malikhaing yaman ng mga mag-aaral. Sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng Modified Conjunctional Model of Creative Imaging at ng Gestural Think-Aloud Protocol (GTAP), ipinapakita ng pag-aaral na bagama’t mataas ang antas ng kakayahang gamitin (usability) ng mga kasangkapan (79.9%), ang aktuwal na naipakitang malikhaing pagpapahayag ng mga DHH na mag-aaral ay nasa pagitan lamang ng 46.5% at 54.8%, na nagpapakita ng malinaw na mga pagkakataon para sa paglago sa Edukasyong Panrelihiyon.

Bagama’t nananatili ang pagkamalikhain sa antas na “Developing,” patuloy na naipapakita ng mga mag-aaral ang mga teolohikal na birtud tulad ng pakikipagtulungan, katapatan, empatiya, at pangangalaga (stewardship), na sumasalamin sa kanilang paglago sa espiritwal at moral na paghubog na kaayon ng mga layunin ng RE. Ipinakita ng CapCut ang mas mataas na antas ng usability kumpara sa Canva, bagama’t parehong nangangailangan ng mga pagpapahusay sa accessibility. Sa pananaw teolohikal, pinagtitibay ng pagsasanib ng usability at pagkamalikhain ang inklusibong disenyo bilang isang pagpapahayag ng pagiging kawangis ng Diyos at ng pakikabilang sa simbahan (ecclesial belonging), na inilalagay ang mga DHH na mag-aaral hindi bilang mga pasibong tagatanggap kundi bilang mga aktibong katuwang na tagapaglikha sa proseso ng pagkatutong pananampalataya. Sa kabuuan, ang faith-based digital storytelling ay lumilitaw bilang isang transpormatibong gawaing pedagohikal na nagpapalalim ng teolohikal na pag-unawa, humuhubog sa pananampalataya, at nagdiriwang sa dignidad at kaloob ng bawat mag-aaral bilang Imago Dei.

Mga Susing Salita: mga DHH na mag-aaral, Imago Dei, Usability, Malikhaing Potensyal, Inklusibong Edukasyon

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Blanco, C. M. (2026). Exploring the Creative Potential of DHH Learners via Video Apps and Disability Theology: Imago Dei in the Body of Christ. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_tred/6

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Embargo Period

1-20-2026