Module 3: Digital Storytelling & Podcast

 History of Digital storytelling

Believe it or not, Digital storytelling is not a new practice. In fact, it has been around for several years. The co-founder of the Center for Digital Storytelling which is a nonprofit, community arts organization in Berkley, California is Joe Lambert (Burns, K.). The organization has been assisting individuals the ability to share their creations since the early 1900’s (Burns, K.).

 

What is Digital Storytelling?

Digital storytelling is a way to create a story through the implementation of videos, photos, and audio using computer-based tools. Like traditional stories, digital stories focus on a specific topic. Digital stories can vary in length but are typically between 2 and 10 minutes in an educational setting. With digital stories a wide range of topics can be implemented. You can write about personal experiences, Fairy Tales, poetry, and so much more!

 

Benefits of Digital storytelling in Education: (Alrubail, 2015)

Digital storytelling can be extremely beneficial for all students. Some of the main benefits for English Language Learners include:

·      Student communication

o   Digital storytelling allows individuals to express their ideas through the use of digital tools such as photos, videos, and audio recordings. This is extremely beneficial because of how convenient it will be for students to express themselves especially students who may not be strong writers. Digital stories will help those students convey their messages in a more appropriate way.

·      Critical thinking & Creativity

o   Digital stories allow students the ability to think about why the idea or experience is important to them as well as how it can relate to them. Many students may not realize it but when they are composing a digital story, they are using their creativity to do so. 

·      Writing skills

o   Writing may not be the most preferred task in the classroom which is why digital stories are so beneficial. Digital Storytelling allows individuals the ability to share their thoughts and feelings using limited wording. The process for creating a digital story is similar to the writing process. (Alrubail, 2015)

 

What is the Eight-Step digital storytelling process?  (Alrubail, 2015)

1.     Generate and idea and go from there

2.     Research to learn about the topic

3.     Write out a script

4.     Create a storyboard

5.     Compile or create digital media

6.     Assemble all the parts into a digital story

7.     Share with others

8.     Reflect on the experience and give feedback

 

What type of digital stories can be created?

·      Fairy Tales

·      Green Screens

·      Personification stories

·      Animal interviews

·      Historical journals

·      Book trailers

Why incorporate digital stories in the classroom setting?

The implementation of technology in the school setting has been advancing through the years! As an educator I believe technology to be an effective classroom tool. Digital storytelling can be beneficial to students as well as teachers. As an educator we know that all children learn differently. Digital stories can appeal to divers learning styles, allowing instructors to present abstract or conceptual information in a more understandable way (Bouchrika, 2021). Digital storytelling allows students the ability to participate in the classroom as well improve their listening skills to take in information that is being presented. Storytelling is also beneficial because it allows students to present their learning to their class peers. The University of Houston’s College of Education asserts that digital storytelling “provides a strong foundation in many different types of literacy, including information literacy, visual literacy, technological literacy, and media literacy.” Brown et al (2005) labeled these types of literacy as “Twenty-First Century Literacy” skills (Bouchrika, 2021).

References:

 

 Alrubail, R. (n.d.). Empowering ells with Digital Stories. Learning for Justice. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/empowering-ells-with-digital-stories

Bouchrika, I. (2021, September 29). Digital Storytelling: Benefits, examples, Tools & Tips. Research.com. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://research.com/education/digital-storytelling

Burns, K. (n.d.). What is digital storytelling? Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/page.cfm?id=27&cid=27

Digital story. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2022, from http://web.ccsd.k12.wy.us/sectechcurr/sectechcurr/digital_story.html