In response to the article, 'The Power of Digital Storytelling to Support Teaching and Learning' by Bernard R. Robin; digital storytelling has recently become a great way for teachers to integrate the use of technology in a creative fashion. Digital storytelling can be used in different subject areas such as math, language arts, social studies, science, and many other subject areas. Before delving into how digital storytelling can support students' learning, we first need to describe what digital storytelling is. Digital storytelling combines the art of telling stories with the use of digital media, such as picture, music, video, recordings of audio narration - all while using computer software, apps, etc. Some tools for digital storytelling include: 'My Story' (an iPad app); iMovie; 'Speech Journal'. To elaborate further, the article does a great job of highlighting the different digital storytelling softwares that are suitable for both students and teachers. For example, the different softwares were divided into three different categories - softwares that can be installed on desktops or laptops; websites that support digital storytelling; and as well as apps that can be installed on phones and tablets.
After reading the article, it really opened my eyes to consider using digital storytelling in the classroom.
According to the article, digital storytelling can be used with all students in all grades. The article does a great job with emphasizing how digital storytelling capitalizes on learning how to research information, while analyzing and synthesizing information and opinions. Moreover, the article places an emphasis on how digital storytelling can help students to enhance their communication skills by learning how to organize their thoughts and ideas, express their opinions and construct narratives. Additionally, digital storytelling can inspire younger students to be motivated by creating digital stories. Furthermore, digital storytelling can make learning more relevant for students. The article also does a great job on providing a step by step process to integrate digital storytelling in the classroom for teachers. For example, the article indicated that the first couple steps for teachers are to select a topic, conduct research on the chosen topic; and to write a first draft of the script.
Personally, I think digital storytelling should be encouraged in the classroom, because digital storytelling can be used to reinforce whatever the concept the teacher is currently teaching. Moreover, digital storytelling can also be used to present new information in creative and interesting ways. Reflecting back on when I was a student, I was never exposed to the use of digital storytelling and I don't recall any of my teachers in the past using digital storytelling, as a way to reinforce the concepts that were being taught.
Courtesy of Catherine L (OTECC)@NU
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