What is digital storytelling? Digital story telling uses computer based tools to tell a story. It can contain images, text, audio, video and/or music.
Why use it? Allowing students to create digital stories gives them an opportunity to collaborate and communicate with others, write creatively, express themselves and use technology in a meaningful way.
Should you try try it in your K-4 classroom? Older students with a little ‘tech know how’ can use tools such as Audacity, iMovie or Movie Maker but for elementary students there are some great web applications that are much easier to navigate.
- LittleBird Tales http://littlebirdtales.com/ : LittleBird Tales have a very user friendly interface. Upload images (students can draw them or take pictures), record narration, and share their story by emailing the URL.
Student example: Judy Moody Predicts the Future
- Blabberize http://blabberize.com/ : Easy tool for beginners. Upload a picture and outline the mouth, record, save and receive a URL to share with others.
Second grade example: Chickie by Lance
- Storybird http://storybird.com/ : Students choose artwork to inspire writing and create a story from an image gallery. The finished story can be printed or watched on screen. * It’s easy for students to focus on the artwork instead of the writing.
Student example: The Busy City
- Photo Story 3 http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11132 : Older elementary students will be able to use Photo Story with some guidance. Upload images, add text and/or record narration and select transitions and/or effects. Photo Story will render the story that can be played in Windows Media Player. * you will need to download and install Photo Story 3
Photo Story 3 User Guide: www.jakesonline.org/photostory.pdf
Photo Story 3 tutorial video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0oH9qE9qEY
What equipment do I need?
Computer with internet access
Microphone
Digital camera *only if you are going to take your own pictures
Scanner *only if you are going to scan student drawings
How do I get started?
Decide what story you are going to tell. Are your students going to do a personal narrative, put a twist on a traditional story or create a story that highlights a concept you’ve taught? Pick an application and you are on your way.
