8/19/2009

Digital Storytelling


Digital Storytelling


The Queensland Curriculum and Reporting Framework (2007) suggests that Media involves constructing meaning by using media languages and technologies to express representations, considering particular audiences and particular purposes. The Arts, Years 1-10 Syllabus (2002) explains that utilising applications of media, including digital storytelling, develop active and critical media users who will demand, and could contribute to, a greater diversity of media in the future. Considering todays digital natives are being constantly exposed to digital media, we as learning managers, must develop strategies that can be used to appeal to the learning preferences and communication needs of these digital learners (Jukes & Dosaj, 2006).

The Lubbock Independent Schools District (2009) suggests that digital storytelling challenges students to take their written ideas and translate them into a visual medium. Digital storytelling unites the ancient art of storytelling and the modern multimedia techniques of today, to deliver a story using images, music and voice.

An example of how i would include this method of technology within the classroom would be as follows:

During a unit of work on Antarctica i would have the students create a toy penguin made from recycled egg cartons. Students would then take a series of photos on the class camera, that involve the penguin in a role play. This role play would demonstrate the use of visual props and effects and show the penguin in a variety of different scenes. Students would then write an interesting, sequenced  and detailed recount of events. 

Digital storytelling can be created on any program that allows photos and movies to be edited and have the ability to make the addition of sound and/or music. In most classroom environments the use of a Word document, Windows Photo Story 3 or Windows Movie Maker 2 would possibly be the most suitable programs to use. 

Upon completion of the cohorts written recount of events, students would manipulate their photos using a program such as Picnic before creating a photo story on the available software. Students would embed a speech that matches the story and explains the penguins journey and his/her feelings along the way.

As the learning manager, i would create a folder within my Mahara account, that allows students to upload their photos stories. This would then be used to encourage a collaborative learning environment that promotes discussion, expression and reflection.

Until we meet again,
Kerri.

References:
Jukes, I. & Dosaj, A. (2006). Understanding Digital Children (DKs)Teaching & Learning in the New Digital Landscape.The InfoSavvy Group: MediaFire. 

Lubbock Independent School District. (2009). Digital Storytelling. Retrieved August 18, 2009, fromhttp://www.lubbockisd.org/sfirenza/storytelling/

Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). Queensland Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Framework. Spring Hill, QLD, Australia: The office of the Queensland Studies Authority

Queensland School Curriculum Council, Years 1-10 Arts Syllabus.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Kerri,
    I was interested in your idea of using movie maker as a digital storytelling tool, I have read another blog somewhere that suggested the same. I never thought of using Movie Maker in this way even though I have used Movie Maker a few times but for my own personal use. I never thought of putting audio to it other than just music. What a great idea and a lot easier too if there is no video camera available. Will have to try this out.
    Thanks Wendy

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  2. Hi Kerri,
    I love your idea of using a photo story to portray the journey of the penguin and how students are engaged in each aspect of production along the way. I guess this is why they call it a student centered activity. The possibilities of using digital storytelling within the classroom are endless and very exciting.
    Regards,
    Nari

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  3. Hi Wendy and Nari,

    It is great to have the opportunity to share our thoughts and ideas through this form of communication. I have discovered so many amazing ideas and different suggestions that i can add to my repertoire of classroom activities. It really is exciting!

    Chat soon,
    kerri.

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