Tool # 3

Using StoryJumper as a Teacher

I started using StoryJumper when the pandemic started in 2020 since I needed a way to have students complete tactile activities while learning online. StoryJumper made it possible for students to still create a project individually or collaboratively and present their project in a book format. I created a project for both elementary and secondary students in the following examples. The first is titled "My Story". In the first example.

First Time User: What I Created

Here is my example of the mini-project. I created an example of an activity for primary students that could be used at the start of the year. It is a mini-book titled "All About Me". The goal is to have students introduce themselves, their family members, some activities that they love to do and add the audio.

Pages from what I created and the character creation feature

The Advantage of Using StoryJumper (Its Strengths)

StoryJumper is a genuine contender for being the best book creation tool available. Unless a book is published in a paper format, the application is free to use, and there are no limitations to the number of books a user can create. In addition, because it is free, all of the tools for building a book are 'unlocked,' unlike other applications which offer trial versions with all the tools or basic accounts with access to only specific user tools.

Furthermore, StoryJumper is free for teachers who choose to set up a class and invite students, another of this application's key selling points. Unlike a presentation application such as PowerPoint, StoryJumper is fun for students to use with the drag and drop background scenes, the option to upload personalized photos and drawings, the fun background scenes, and different font options. There is a good selection of creative fonts and colours, pages can easily be duplicated and navigation through the widgets is easy to figure out. StoryJumper creators also pre-loaded Pixabay photos onto their application as an option for book creators or cartoon images called 'props'.

Another fun activity is designing your own character.

The Limitations of Using StoryJumper (Its Weaknesses)

One drawback is that it is not possible to draw directly in StoryJumper - there is no tool for freehand drawing. The only option is to use another application, save it, and upload the drawing to StoryJumper. In addition, online images and personal images, need to be saved first and then uploaded. There are a set number of font and colour choices which could feel limiting to some users who want to customize their books; however, I found that for primary students, the font and colour choices were sufficient. Furthermore, although books can be shared through a link, a free download is unavailable. A PDF version costs $2.99 for 16 pages, with a surcharge of 0.20 for each additional page.

An ESL teacher can use StoryJumper for individual and collaborative writing activities at primary and secondary levels, from a comic book to longer projects such as narrative writing. Having students create, write and even narrate their books allows students opportunities to be actively engaged in using English in the classroom. A teacher can also just use StoryJumper to read stories to students that have already been created using the extensive online library.

Adding visuals and audio to a book, allows students to practice pronunciation, understand vocabulary, and read along. Furthermore, book creation and reading promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills in the ESL classroom.

StoryJumper also includes a series of writing projects teachers can use in the classroom. There is also a worksheet that can be downloaded as an outline for students to use when building their stories.

Setting up a Class and Integration with Google Classroom

Getting started, setting up a class, and adding students is simple. What's more the application works seamlessly with Google Classroom. Thus, teachers can import their student list, and once completed, students can submit their homework through the share button. The dashboard is straightforward and essentially self-explanatory. The screenshots below are examples of the process and how teachers can view students' progress.

Here are some examples of activities for primary and secondary students using StoryJumper.

1. Collaborative Writing Assignment: A theme-based cooperative group writing assignment where students brainstorm to create a book, write and then narrate it within their team. This activity will competencies C1, C2, and C3.

2. Collaborative or Individual Writing Projects: On Storyjumper's website, there is an extensive list of how to use StoryJumper in the classroom.

3. A Short Individual Project (A comic book or book review): A comic book, where students create a comic strip, add their voice, and read their book in their group to practice oral communication skills and listening skills. A book review where students present a summary of a book covered in class.

4. Narrative Writing for Primary Students: For example collaborative projects where students create a story involving superheroes. On Time4Writing.com's blog, there is a fun writing activity.

5. Narrative Writing: For longer projects and secondary students to meet curriculum requirements.

6. A Teacher-Created Book or Activity: A teacher could create a book that can be read to students in the classroom or narrated for lower levels. Using the audio widget and visuals, vocabulary can easily be explained.

I have included a video of elementary students' reactions to StoryJumper, what they liked about using the application, and how StoryJumper helped them learn and use English.