Throughout history, storytelling has been used to teach, share knowledge and spread news. With technological advancements, this ancient tradition has adapted with society and taken on a modern twist! Digital Storytelling has become a popular educational tool amongst students and teachers.  This computer-based tool uses images, music, audio narration, and text to convey a variety of topics that range from personal stories to historical events. Many educators have integrated Digital Storytelling into curriculum to develop writing skills, promote planning, and inspire creativity. Stories created by teachers can also serve as an effective tool when teaching complex curriculum or wanting to facilitate classroom discussions.

Image from iStock

Educator and multimedia author, Tom Banaszewski, witnessed firsthand the positive impact Digital Storytelling can have in the classroom. In regards to his personal experience using iMovie to create digital stories, Tom Banaszewski said:

“My fourth and fifth graders may never say so, but the Place Project was all about storytelling. At the beginning of the school year, students answered a survey about writing that asked, “Are you a writer?” Sixty percent responded yes. After the Place Project, they responded to the same survey. “Are you a writer?” Ninety-nine percent said yes. Nothing is foolproof, but I have yet to find anything as motivating and influential on students’ self-expression as helping them tell stories about an important place. The added dimension of video provided a meeting place for these students and their creativity.”

There are various platforms that aide in creating digital stories. Here are multiple resources that showcase the benefits of integrating Digital Storytelling into the classroom.

In brief, Digital Storytelling is a tool that can enrich the education experience for both teacher and student. By integrating this technology into the classroom, learning becomes personal to students and promotes important multimedia skills. Despite the overwhelming benefits of combining the art of storytelling with digital tools, we must always remember that storytelling preceded technology!



Sources:

(http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/jan02/banaszewski.htm)

(http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/powerpoint.html)

(http://blog.simplek12.com/education/2mett-goanimate/)

(http://slidesha.re/Ibfvp%20#isedchat @sarah_ludwi)

(http://www.slideshare.net/guestf48b0c/voicethread-   1845048)

(http://www.slideshare.net/ccassinelli/using-voicethread-for-interactive-projects)

(http://www.slideshare.net/suziea/voicethread-examples-in-education-presentation)

(http://www.storycenter.org/resources.html)

(http://www.microsoft.com/education/teachers/guides/digital_storytelling.aspx)