Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Digital Storytelling

After reading the information about digital storytelling provided by the Lubbock Independent Schools District (2009), I have to say that I am quite excited about the prospects. Contemporary learners are living in a media rich environment where there are many opportunities that can be used to bring stories to life. One could say that the only limit is your imagination.

Digital storytelling uses modern multimedia tools (computers and digital cameras) to deliver stories using images, sound, music and voice. Not only does it provide opportunities to add a new dimension to traditional tales but allows students to 'develop their written ideas and translate them into a visual medium' (Lubbock Independent Schools District, 2009).

Why integrate this technology into the classroom? Digital storytelling helps to:
  • enhance learning experiences
  • promote creativity
  • accelerate learning
  • covers multiple intelligences
(Lubbock Independent Schools District, 2009)

Within my grade 1 classroom this type of technology could be used in a number of ways but I will give a brief example of just one idea that I have. In keeping with the 'Animals on the Move' theme we could begin by reading the book Stellaluna as an introduction to the learning task and collaboratively write a script for our own story that portrayed a different animal. Once the script is complete, allocate each student a different part of the story that they are to design and draw a picture for. When completed these pictures will be scanned into the computer and placed in order using an editing program such as Windows Photo Story 3 or Windows Movie Maker 2. Students would then add audio to their picture and their story could be shared with other grade 1 classes at the school.

I believe that this would be an engaging and effective learning task for the students and one that they could be proud of.
Digital storytelling aligns with Kearsley and Schneiderman's (1999) Engagement Theory and the relate, create, donate components. This project would give students the opportunity to work with their peers towards a common goal and allow them to make a worthwhile contribution to the school environment.


References:
Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Lubbock Independent Schools District. (2009). Digital Storytelling. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.lubbockisd.org/sfirenza/storytelling/

2 comments:

  1. Hi Nari,

    Scanning of the pictures and placing into a digital storytelling tool is not something I had given any thought to until reading your blog. This is a very creative idea and gives the students that extra engagement through seeing their own work on the screen, providing more meaning.

    This is well thought out and I will endeavour to try this out in the future.

    Kellie

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  2. Hi Kellie,
    This tool really excites me. Like you said it is such a creative and authentic way to engage students and the finished product is something that they have ownership over and should be very proud of. There are so many other ways that digital storytelling could be utilised, I can't wait to explore it in more depth.
    Regards,
    Nari

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