Digital Storytelling

What is Digital Storytelling?

Digital storytelling uses technology to tell stories or explain ideas. This technology keeps audiences engaged by allowing multiple formats that differ from the "norm". Digital storytelling comes in various formats such as videos, podcasts, slideshows, and more. People can use digital storytelling to communicate by using many forms of media (ex. pictures, sounds, video clips, etc).

It can have many instructional benefits in the classroom, as well! As stated before- it keeps students engaged. Rather than watching a boring presentation, kids can watch video clips, listen to audio clips, or view pictures to gather the same information in an exciting way.

Here is a screenshot of the ISTE NET Standard that can accompany this tool:

When Can We Use Digital Storytelling in Education?

• I think a great opportunity for digital storytelling is through autobiographies and biographies. Students could share their own stories about themselves at the beginning of the school year as an ice breaker. This will ease them into using technology in the classroom while introducing them to their classmates in an interesting way! Biographies could be used to tell the stories of famous people throughout history. The students could use pictures and video clips found online to create digital biographies based on true events.
• Book reports would be another good opportunity for digital storytelling. Instead of writing a book report, students could give a summary of the book digitally. They could use picture, sounds, and videos from the internet to give a quick synopsis of the book. This will be more interesting and engaging for students than a written book report would be. They will have a chance to show their creativity, and we will have a chance to assess what they have learned.