Digital Storytelling

I was unaware what a digital storytelling was, until I completed research from Primary Access (2006). Now I know more about digital storytelling and how to incorporate it into the classroom. I think this is a useful technology which can be used in the classrooms by the 21st century learners as a great literacy resource. It will engage the learners in the topic as they will be using technology which they will probably know more about it then the learning manager will.

Storytelling is used in many different cultures around the world and has been used for many centuries. An example of storytelling is in the Aboriginal Culture of dreamtime stories. Aboriginals use dreamtime stories to tell a story of how the spirits emerged and what happened before the living memory (Crystalinks, n.d.). The traditional way storytelling is used in classes with the teacher reading the book and the students sitting on the carpet listening is still used in many classrooms, including my own prac class. Although if digital storytelling was to be incorporated into the lessons, it would be a great way to engage students in the lesson, as they can relate to the technology on different levels.

Digital storytelling can be incorporated into a variety of different units as it allows the students to create a story using online sources. When using digital storytelling the copyright legislation needs to be made aware of, as most authors do not approve of their work being using without their permission (Australian Copyright Council, 2009). This is where the student’s creativity can be used to write and create a new story. Unfortunately I was unable to implement digital storytelling due to lack of class time.

When these digital stories are being completed, it is important that the safety of the child is the first priority (Australian Government, 2009). By students creating their own story using digital storytelling they will be displaying Kearsley & Shneiderman’s (1999) second principle of create. Students will be engaged and involved in creating a digital story with a sense of control, as they can create the story how they wish.

When students are creating their digital story they can develop their literacy skills. These include;
Writing skills: creating a story, proofreading, using imagination and using a variety of different words
Technical Skills: taking pictures using a digital or video camera, uploading these photos using the appropriate device and search Flickr for appropriate pictures
Speaking skills: use projection when talking, speak clear and read out story they have written

- Natalie

Reference List
Australian Copyright Council. (2009). Australian Copyright Council's Online Information Centre. Retrieved August 20, 2009, from http://www.copyright.org.au/

Australian Government. (2009). Protecting Australian Families Online. Retrieved August 20, 2009, from

http://www.netalert.gov.au/

Crystalinks. (n.d.). Australian Dreamtime. Retrieved August 20, 2009, from

http://www.crystalinks.com/dreamtime.html

Primary Access. (2006). Digital Storyteller. Retrieved August 20, 2009, from http://www.digitalstoryteller.org/

Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm