Digital Storytelling is the use of digital technology to tell stories. Storytelling is not new. However the ease, speed and reach of digital storytelling is. Digital stories can be told through any combination of digital multimedia, including, audio, video, images, graphic designs, and web publishing.
The story can be a narrative video reflection on one's own life with real footage; or a informational video on space exploration using stop motion and action figures; or a webpage created about a historical figure using images and illustrations. The possibilities of stories to tell and how to tell them are limitless. Go to Informational Video, Narrative Video, Graphic Design or PSA pages for examples, lessons, and ideas on what this can look at various grade levels.
“If people aren’t taught the language of sound and images, shouldn’t they be considered as illiterate as if they left college without being able to read or write?”
-George Lucas
A well planned Digital Storytelling project provides:
Teachers an assessment that cuts across multiple standards at one time
Students a chance to engage with digital technologies they encounter in the world around them and build 21st century skills
Students an opportunity to reach a wider audience than just their teacher with their own unique perspective
Students access to an iterative process, where the end product is something they connect deeply with and take ownership of
Students time to work collaboratively - engaging in social/emotional learning
Students options to use their unique perspective and talents in a way traditional projects and assessments do not