I have really enjoyed my experience thus far with the digital storytelling process. I believe educators need to use technology to make lessons engaging for students and to encourage students to create and collaborate. I think that digital storytelling does just that. Digital storytelling allows teachers and students to easily mesh technology with content. It is also great practice for students to select and use the digital tools best suited for their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language goals. There are several Common Core standards that involve the use of technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writings.
The digital storytelling process allows students to use different forms of technology while following the writing process to produce and publish a writing in a creative and engaging way. With digital storytelling, the creator starts by making a plan (storyboard) and drafting a script. They can then go through the revising and editing stages. And lastly, produce a digital story that can be published and shared with others. I think most students would love the opportunity to create a digital story rather than just typing a writing and turning it in to their teacher. This allows for more engagement in the writing curriculum.
As far as my digital storytelling journey, I have chosen to create my digital story over the life of my grandfather. My grandpa passed away just 3 weeks ago on June 30th at 90 years old. He lived an wonderful, long life that I am excited to commemorate. This has been fun to hear old stories from my grandma and to go through old pictures. And I think I could use this as an example for a project that could be done with our fourth graders in the future. I am currently working on a storyboard and going through the revising and editing stage of my script. I am thrilled to produce a story that can be shared with others!
What a great way to remember your grandpa! This is something you can share with your whole family. I agree it can be used as an example for your students in the future. I am excited to finish our digital stories in the next couple of weeks and then test them out with our kiddos. You made a great point about collaboration. I can really see 4th graders enjoying working on digital story with a partner. Technology is going to help them be more creative and produce great pieces of work. It should be an exciting school year as we try out new tools in our rooms.
ReplyDeleteIsn't technology so amazing? Who would have ever of thought that we could improve something so simple, writing, with technology?? I love that all of us are learning how to improve instruction using technology!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of using the life of your Grandpa! That's an excellent idea!
I love that you are able to use this as an opportunity to commemorate your grandpa. I decided to create mine as a message to my dad, but I will also use it as a model for my students when I decide to assign a digital storytelling project. I also think your point about the "writing process" is important in terms of students going through the entire process with the digital story. I think my students will be more likely to proof and revise their scripts before recording and publishing because it is something that other people could see...not just the teacher. There is something to be said for public viewing. The kids are more careful when they're not quite sure who their audience will be.
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