Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
- Dec 13, 2021
- 2 min read
Digital Storytelling allows for students to to tell a story but in a way that they use and incorporate technology. This allows the students to be creative in a different way and grow in their technology skills. There are different apps and programs that assist students in digital storytelling. It is a way for students to share new information and an alternative way for them to present information. This allows for an opportunity to substitute the typical way of presenting and sharing information, in ways such as an essay for example. I think it is obvious that technology is becoming more and more a part of our students everyday lives. So instead of pushing back, I think it is important to find ways to use certain apps, platforms and programs in the classroom to enhance learning.
TikTok has been blowing us the last year and most students have some connection to TikTok. As a teacher, I would integrate TikTok in hopes that it provides substitutes for written assignments and/or can contribute to presentations. It allows students to have a different creative outlet to achieve the same task and in some ways, enhances the experience for the viewer(student). I think that if used correctly, TikTok definitely has a place in the classroom. As a future teacher, I have come across many teachers that I feel are adding it as a useful resource for students in the classroom, the videos are short and to the point and the students can go back and watch them whenever and as often as they need or want. Therefore I think if teachers can use it as a way to present and communicate information, I feel students can too. From my experience in the classroom, students enjoy being able to use technology and learn fast on new apps and programs, indicating that they would most likely grasp using technology to communicate their learning quickly and effectively.
Another way I would like to implement digital storytelling in my classroom is using Book Creator. The options are endless with this program. It allows students to create their own book on and topic they choose. I would like to use a program like this to give students a different way to present. A lot of students feel anxiety when it comes to presenting, standing up and giving a presentation the "old fashion way" isn't for every student and I think
as teachers we need to be aware that as times are changing and technology is becoming more the norm, our teacher styles and assignments also need to be progression. Allowing a student to create a presentation on Book Creator still allows to evaluate their understanding and also provides a resource for other students to learning from.
Overall, I think as teachers we can choose to push back on using technology in our classroom or we can get on board and incorporate it into learning, communicating and learning. I think it is important to continue learning and finding new ways for students to share their knowledge and I think digital storytelling provides a way for students to express their learning and knowledge in a new and exciting way. I know this wasn't a thing when I was in school and I would have enjoyed having this option of storytelling.
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