Digital Storytelling

This week, we read and studied digital storytelling. Stories can be told in many ways, and with the movement of time, digital storytelling is very relevant. As a teacher, I am always looking for ways to further engage students and make learning relatable for them. I could not wait to learn about digital storytelling and how I could use it as a tool in the classroom. There are so many resources out there for digital storytelling, and this post has the intention of focusing on what it is, why it is important, and how it can be a tool for educators.

First, what is digital storytelling?

Digital Storytelling is to tell stories with the use of computer-based tools/multimedia, such as graphics, audio, visual, and web publishing. It is very similar to traditional storytelling as it has a specific focus. This focus can be any topic! Digital tools can be used to tell all types of stories. Although you may think that digital storytelling is a new technique to keep up with the times, it actually has been around since 1990. The common goal between early pioneers of the field was to build connections between people and stories in a new way. This inspired the field to continue to grow into what it is today! (University of Houston, 2023)

                            This video gives a great rundown of digital storytelling!

So, why is digital storytelling important?

              Digital storytelling is important to implement into instruction. It makes an engaging learning environment rich with creativity. Digital storytelling is also easily aligned with standards. Digital storytelling projects can help students grow towards mastery in these ALL subjects. Students are also able to learn how to access information by using digital storytelling. Digital literacy skills can be built upon with the use of digital storytelling projects. One cool fact is that interactions with digital storytelling can inspire young students to begin any story! It supports awareness of others and self. It is a creative activity, and students can learn about their audience, purpose, and form, while also learning about who they are as a storyteller. (Rebmann, 2012). 

            A study focused on the interaction between two first graders who were completing a retelling of the story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, using a Smartboard app. The study recalled the conversation the two students had while trying to use the system to retell the story. They were met with questions and moments when they did not know what to do. However, this provided moments for them to collaborate, and problem solve! They also earned skills such as turn-taking, showing pride, and enjoyment. (Ford & Lisenbee, 2017). Growing these skills at a young age is extremely important in helping students to be prepared for their future. 

How can digital storytelling be a tool for educators?

              Digital storytelling is a tool that educators can use to help students grow in so many different areas. In order to guide students through this digital experience, educators must be able to have tools and resources readily available. Here are some helpful resources that can be used to create digital storytelling projects with students: https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2023/05/some-of-the-best-free-digital-storytelling-tools-for-teachers.html

              Of all the digital storytelling resources I visited, the most prominent would be Canva! I currently use this program with my students, and they love it! There are many templates students can use as an outline for their stories. They can also use all of the extra features on Canva to make their story engaging. I think it is definitely a resource worth checking out… also it is free for educators! Click here to view Canva: https://www.canva.com/

              Technology can be scary for many people; however it is so important that students are exposed to digital tools. Telling digitized stories can help students to grow and develop many skills and be prepared for the future. It is our job, as information providers, to teach them how to access and use these tools!

 

References

Ford, C. & Lisenbee, P. (2017). Engaging students in traditional and digital storytelling to make     

connections between pedagogy and children’s experiences. Early Childhood Education Journal,

46(1), 129–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-017-0846-x

Rebmann, K. (2012). Theory, practice, tools: Catching up with digital storytelling. Teacher Librarian,

            39(3), 30-34.

What is digital storytelling?. Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling. (n.d.).

https://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/page.cfm?id=27&cid=27