In the article, “Digital Storytelling in the Language Arts Classroom”, Glen Bull and Sara Kajder discuss the rise of digital storytelling and the seven main elements (point of view, dramatic question, emotional content, economy, pacing, the gift of your voice, and accompanying soundtrack) necessary to create an effective digital story.
One element that struck me is what they called, “the gift of your voice”. As part of the student’s digital story, they are required to narrate their own story. This allows for the quieter students who may not participate in class discussions or activities to express themselves and be heard without the anxiety of their classmates staring at them while they speak. For the meeker students, allowing them to somewhat hide behind a video that they narrated could help bring them out of their shell, especially if the digital story is well done.
There are many uses for digital storytelling in English classes. It would be a unique and creative way for students to learn grammar, structure, and to learn to express themselves in ways they may not have considered. Whether the story is about their own personal life or a presentation about a book or poem that is being read in class, digital storytelling offers an innovate, pointed way to tell a story or idea.
Bull, G. Kajder, S. (2004, v. 32, n. 4). Digital Storytelling in the Language Arts Classroom. Learning and Leading with Technology, pg. 46-49. Retrieved October 6, 2011 from http://www.digitalstoryteller.org/docs/DigitalStorytelling.pdf
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea for students because it gives each individual a sense of individual creativity. I agree with you about the quieter children getting the chance to express themselves through their video. I think this would help students because it will let them enhance their English and communication skills. I enjoyed reading about your topic!
Danielle
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is a great way to have the students that are shyer speak up and have their voice heard in class and I think that in turn they will start to speak up in actual class when they see that their peers are accepting of what they had to say. I also think that this is the type of thing that can be brought into any subject but integrate many lessons in one.
Sydney