Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling allows us to make a connection between the past and the present. When we do this, we are able to get a better understanding of both. Digital storytelling can change our view on the past and present. By understanding the past and present, we are able to construct a better future.
Digital storytelling is great for elementary students to use. Students usually want to share what they know and their stories. This tool allows them to become better story tellers. By telling their stories digitally, students become better writers. Students learn more from watching. Teachers can make digital stories for their students to watch. When students make their own digital stories they become more engaged and learn more by creating the story.

Voice threads, slide casts and slide shares are great tools to use for multicurricular integration. Teachers are able to combine writing, technology, research skills, math and science into one lesson. My unit plan topic is: "Why is water important?" By using these tools the students are exposed to using technology to view anything that I have for them to watch. In order to complete certain assignments, the students would have to create their own voice treads, slide casts, and slide shares. This will allow the students to learn how to properly and creatively use the tools. While they are doing this, they will have to do research to find answers to certain guided questions that I will provide for them. They will have to use their research tools and resources. They will still be learning about the water cycle and water sources at the same time. Students will be able to work on and improve their writing skills when they write their own digital story by using voice threads, slide casts, and slide shares. Once they have completed their assignment, I would give them time to look at each others work to leave comments on and questions. In doing this, the students would exercise their communication skills.
In my future class room. I would have the students do something similar to with with other assignments. Once a week the students could even do a show and tell digital story by using voice threads, slide casts and slide shares. They would be practicing their writing and technology skills while being given a creative freedom. The possibilities are endless as to how the students can use these tools. The students could also collaborate on voice threads, slide casts and slide shares while working on an assignment. I can create voice threads for my students to watch and comment on during class. This would the students to be more active and engaged in their assignment.

Here is a great little video about slide sharing by eduwiki.com


My Slide Share:

Why Is Water Important

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This is my Google Doc.