This paper examines the effects of student-centered collaborative project programs using digital media for the EFL university students. To compare the effectiveness of a digital storytelling project program (127 students) and a topic-research presentation program (126 students) we used pre- and post-TOEIC English speaking tests. We also administrated a survey on students’ attitude towards their learning, interviewed students and observed the programs. The results showed that there was a significant improvement of the students’ English speaking ability in the two programs. The score of the topic-research presentation program improved more than that of the digital storytelling program. However, the students in the digital storytelling program were more motivated to engage in the collaborative project than those of topic-research presentation program in terms of interest and participation. Based on the results of the two programs, this paper suggests the educational implications for those who want to develop and implement collaborative projects using digital media for the EFL university students.