Monday, June 22, 2009

Digital Storytelling


Today was the first day of a series of teaching workshops that I will be taking all week. Digital storytelling was the topic for today's study and ways to integrate this technology into the classroom. The software that we explored was Microsoft Photo Story 3. I found it to be pretty simple to use.

Here is a quick overview of what you can do with this software:

Create slideshows using your digital photos. With a single click, you can touch-up, crop, or rotate pictures. Add stunning special effects, soundtracks, and your own voice narration to your photo stories. Then, personalize them with titles and captions. Small file sizes make it easy to send your photo stories in an e-mail. Watch them on your TV, a computer, or a Windows Mobile–based portable device.
Source: Microsoft Photo Story 3 for Windows XP

Digital story telling can be used in the classroom by both the instructor and the student as a learning tool. The instructor can use it as a motivational tool to introduce content, as well as a tool to teach.

Students can use this software for a variety of classroom projects such as, a personal timeline or family tree, a culminating activity for a field trip, or to share research.

If you are interested in learning more, seeing examples, or trying your hand at digital storytelling, you can download the software for free.

Other resources that might be of interest:

7 Things You Should Know About Digital Storytelling

Digital Storytelling: Promoting Deep Thinking Through Stories


Be sure to comment and let me know if you give it a try or if you've used this software before. Beside in the classroom, this would also be a great tool to create our own family stories at home.

Take Care,
Jen

2 comments:

dolls like us said...

This is wonderful thank you for sharing it .

The Blonde Duck said...

That's really cool. I've been trying to think of ways to illustrate my blog stories for awhile.

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**Create charade cards for a family fun game. Play in teams with Daddy, too. For younger children, draw little pictures for them to act out.

**Using washable markers, draw little faces on your chidren's toes. Yes, I said toes!! They will have fun having a conversation with thier little tootsies. (TOE TALK from 365 ways to a SMARTER PRESCHOOLER)

**Connect the literature you are reading to your child with a follow up activity. For example: Have your child paint or draw a picture of the main idea in the story or search online for crafts relating to the story.

**File those creative ideas! If you find a learning article or fun activity, but don't have time to do it right away, file it for later. I keep a file in my file cabinet labeled Learning Ideas.

**Keep a junk box for your child that is filled with recycled materials. It is amazing what they can create out of junk. Things to include: paper towel rolls, small boxes, yarn, small plastic containers, spools, popsicle sticks or tongue depressors, scraps of fabric, straws, etc. If you need a quick activity with the kids, it is right at your fingertips!

**To help eliminate clutter from all of your child's precious artwork, take pictures and create a photo album of their work. This takes up less space, but still provides you with memories. Keep a few favorites to frame and hang on the wall!