"Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid colour to characters, situations, experiences, and insights" ~ Leslie Rule, Digital Storytelling Association

Digital Storytelling is without a doubt a very useful tool in order to educate and develop student learning in the classroom. However in saying this, I also believe that these technologies can often detract from the learning environment and can cause several distractions. Although there are risks involved in operating with digital storytelling softwares, the positives of using such tools evidently outweigh the bad.

As students begin planning their story they will carefully start to develop an understanding of the 7 key elements of digital storytelling. These elements are listed in the mind map below:

I believe that through these stories valuable experiences and lessons are passed on to readers. Therefore not only are the students learning as they engage in these projects, but are also passing on important lessons to their fellow peers. Digital stories can also share perspectives, educate and help build understanding and compassion in students by being questioning, historical, informative and autobiographical. Students will also develop more creative ways of thinking and researching through the ability to create music, incorporate photographs and design a project that is flexible and completely original/unique to their own work.

After playing around and working with Photo Story, Microsoft application which allows users to create a visual story from their digital photos, during tutorials this semester I came to the conclusion that digital storytelling can be, and is a very effective method of educating students within the classroom. On a personal level, I felt myself to be more engaged and eager to learn once using the software and found myself indulged by the endless number of possibilities and methods for achieving a finished (successful) product. As Photo Story is a compulsory tool used in most schools in Australia as part of the modern curriculum I myself was quite familiar with how to operate the program, thus making it even more enjoyable to use.

There are limitations with using such software however: image size/number of images (200 per batch), output resolution, tools such as crop and zoom limits and total story length. Although this is the case, with constant updates and advances in technology today's limitations are likely to be tomorrows accomplishments.

Overall I believe digital storytelling is a great educative tool for the 21st century and should be compulsory in most (if not all) schools in the country by 2015.

Bibliography

Brenda, D. (2011) Digital Storytelling: An Inquiry into Digital Historical Narratives. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://www.wired-and-inspired.ca/EDEL435/process/

Digital Storytelling, (2013) Wikipedia. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_storytelling

Huffman, E. (2012) The Pros and Cons of Digital Storytelling for K-12 Classrooms. Retrieved May, 20, 2013 from http://emilyhuffman.weebly.com/1/post/2012/3/the-pros-and-cons-of-digital-storytelling-for-k-12-classrooms.html

Ohler, J. (2013) Website Home. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from  http://www.jasonohler.com/index.cfm

Photo Story. (2013) Wikipedia. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photo_Story

Robin, B.R. (2008). Digital storytelling: A powerful technology tools for the 21st century classroom. Theory Into Practice, 47: 220 - 228.

Tell Me A Story – Reflective Assessment. (2012) Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://atr.k12.hi.us/tutorials/tutorials/digstory/elements.htm

What is Digital Storytelling?, (2009) Vid. Jerome Gratigny. Youtube. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZiXR5qUIQ