Blog Post #3: Digital Storytelling

A regular "story" is only interesting when it is well-written, shares many details with the reader, has good "action" or conflict, and shares something worth telling. Likewise a digital story should have the same elements. It should be presented in a fashion that peaks the interest of those watching, should include music and media (Powerpoint/photos/etc.) to highlight the "action" involved and should share information worth knowing and sharing.

When students observe the tools we as teachers use, they notice whether we've put time and effort into what we have them do. A presentation like this is good practice for using the same tools for student lessons and the same elements as well. It shows careful consideration and planning behind our lessons.

The digital story examples I have seen have given background history on the school itself and then gear more toward the content of the participant. I think this is important because it gives the viewer a context for your content area and then shows how it relates to or affects the students. Music, photos, etc. can be used to supplement the slideshow information.