Digital Storytelling

     According to the University of Houston, http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/index.html, digital storytelling is telling a story through the use of computer tools.  The stories can contain digital images, text, recordings or audio narration, video clips and even music.  A story can last however long the author wants, but it's usually between 2 to 10 minutes.  Virtually any subject can be chosen as a topic.  

     I found an example of digital story project put together by a 3rd grader on what they learned about Canada, http://www.schooltechnology.org/2011/02/01/canada-photo-essay-3rd-grade-project/.  The students collected photos to represent different aspects about Canada.  They then presented the images in a slideshow and recorded their own written narration.  The teacher commented how the students were shocked at how professional the stories turned out.

I couldn't figure out how to put the example video in this post, so it's in the following post.

     The "Educause Learning Initiative" explains that by having students create digital stories they foster a sense of individuality and ownership of their creations, http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7021.pdf.  Students enjoy using digital media and incorporating learning through digital storytelling excites students.  Critical thinking skills are exercised when students choose which particular visual or audio elements to include in their stories.  Digital storytelling is a great way to have students summarize what they have learned about a topic.