Digital Storytelling

Do you think Digital Stories like the Power of One and the example of 4th grade making a PSA for Global warming promote the same kind of learning writing an essay or research paper do? Why or Why not.

For numerous reasons, educators in West Virginia do not use technology as effectively as possible.  If more teachers were aware of the technological resources that are available to them, then I think that in some cases, students would have more fun learning!

One way in which technology is being incorporated into some classrooms is by the use of Digital Storytelling.  Digital Storytelling is defined as the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories.  Stories are put together and played in a slide show fashion.  They allow students to use creativity and technology to design educational presentations.  

I think that Digital Stories do promote the same kind of learning that writing an essay or research paper does, but not in as much detail.  When writing a formal paper or creating a Digital Story, students are required to do the same type of research.  Also, when a student is doing either of those assignments, he or she is forced to develop an understanding of the topic because he/she must presents the idea or topic to others.  However, because Digital Stories are typically short, I believe that a student may actually learn more about a topic by writing the formal essay.  More information can be included in an essay than in a Digital Story.  

So, will I use Digital Storytelling in my classroom?  Definately!  Instead of using it by itself, however, I will probably use it in addition to the typical essay writing.  I am glad that I've been introduced to this new use of technology, and I am anxious to learn more about it!      

    

   

Source: http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/