Digital Storytelling

The more I learn about digital storytelling the more it begins to grow on me. I first didn’t really understand what digital storytelling was, but after reading many research articles I have come to find out many benefits of digital storytelling. Through digital storytelling students sharpen their literacy skills. According to Robin (2006) by implementing digital storytelling in the classroom students build research, writing, organization, technology, presentation, interview, interpersonal, problem-solving and assessment skills.

In my classroom, I would like to incorporate digital storytelling with third grade Social Studies curriculum. Our Class spends time learning about other countires and the students really enjoy these units. I feel that by incorporating digital storytelling into these units it will provide ways for students to get answers to the questions that go unanswered. For example, our units cover vague topics like (food, money, climate, location, etc.), but the topics are not covered in great detail. I think it would be great for each student to be assigned a specific topic in which they become experts. They would use their digital stories to teach other students in the classroom who were assigned different topics. 

I would allow students to pick their topic to increase engagement. Each student would be responsible for finding artifacts that go along with their topic. Students would have to collects pictures, videos, and music that go along with their topics and country. For example, if students were assigned the topic of foods in Mexico they would have to find a way to bring the experience of eating in Mexico to our classroom. Students could do this by providing our class with a virtual experience of eating at a restaurant in Mexico. Students could address the following questions: What food options do they have? What type of music would be playing? Would they have to order in another language? Etc. 

In order to ensure students completely understand the assignment, I would have to create an examples for them. I would create a teacher digital storytelling example where students can see a final product of what they are expected to produce. Our Social Studies units come with materials for students to read about specific countries, but I would also want them to research and find other artifacts to incorporate in their stories. 

Resources for Students:  

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/mexico/#mexico-dancers.jpg- This is a helpful website to gather information and pictures on Mexico.

http://www.history.com/topics/mexico  - This website provides great pictures and videos on Mexico.

http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/mexico-facts.html  - This website provides pictures and information on Mexico.

http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=3346 – This website provides videos for students to watch about Mexico.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZiXR5qUlQ- This video is a great way to introduce digital storytelling to students.

file:///C:/Users/esquivbm/Downloads/storyboard.pdf - I would have students use this story board to help with their planning process of their digital storytelling.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=11132 – I would have to ensure students have access to PhotoStory to create their digital stories.

http://www.videowinsoft.com/videowin-movie-maker.html- Windows Movie Maker could be another resources students can use to create their digital storytelling.

References

Robin, B. (2006). The educational uses of digital storytelling. Retrieved from

http://digitalliteracyintheclassroom.pbworks.com/f/Educ-Uses-DS.pdf

Digital Storytelling

Virtual Field Trips

Educational technology hardware is improving each year. Each time I speak with our “tech guy” he’s always informing me of the new technologies coming our way. Our school is slowing switching over from desktop computers to laptops (even for all the teachers). Eventually, teachers will have a touch screen they carry with them around the room that allows teachers to manipulate while teaching. I’m super excited about this and hope we get to experience this hardware soon. I have noticed with each piece of technology that is added to my classroom, I grow as a teacher.

One of my most recent interests with technology is virtual field trips. My class just finished our unit on Mexico. We learned all about Mexico’s culture and important landmarks.  The students were very interested in all the places Mexico has to offer. Many of my students will never have the opportunity to travel to these places, so I thought why not bring Mexico to them. I started searching for virtual field trips to Mexico and came across this awesome site. We decided as a class to bring in Mexican themed food while “visiting” Mexico. Below is a picture of my class visiting Teotihuacan Pyramid while enjoying some Mexican treats! If you can’t tell from the picture, they LOVED it! We even used Google Maps to visit some of our favorite places. Next stop, The Caribbean!

            It’s moments like these that make me appreciate technology. I was able to utilize technology to assist my students in making real life connections. Unfortunately, I was not able to make these connections when I was in elementary school because technology was not in the place it’s in today. I think it’s a wonderful experience not only for students, but also teachers to share these moments with each of them. I know that some students will reflect back on their elementary experience and remember their “field trip to Mexico.”  

References

Mexico Virtual Field Trip (2017). Retrieved from http://www.youvisit.com/tour/mexicocity/80648