Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling is just another name for Place-based storytelling. It is a way for teachers to link and work technology into their daily lessons smoothly. Teacher and student collaboration allows for greater comprehension and higher order thinking. By beginning with digital storytelling, students soon proceed into areas of more in depth work. This type of storytelling allows students to connect the past and the present. Through the use of digital storytelling combined with digital mapping the student not only reads the story but can become a part of it. As creator of the story, he can show locations in more detail giving the reader a new sense of adventure within the story. The student discovers his abilities and walks away with a new found confidence he previously did not have.
Digital storytelling venues like voicethread, slideshare, and slidecast help give added depth to a teachers lesson, and a greater interest on the students part. As I developed my Unit plan I carefully considered how each of these could enhance my lessons. The three branches of government are a very important unit in life because it has far reaching ramifications and influence for each of us. By using voicethread as a feedback forum my students will be able to make adjustments to the information they are absorbing. Also, voicethread can be used as a wonderful interactive forum on first and secondary resources. Slideshare will give the student a freedom of expression that is not normally available to them.
In her online blog, Karen Smith talks about how even though digital storytelling is used in business and education, this is not the first thought for those who wish to use it. Instead, their ideas run to family memories, extraordinary events, and personal expression. The uses for Slideshare, slidecast, and voicethread are unlimited.