Reflection of Ohler's Book
Ohler's book provided me lots of information on many essentials of Digital Storytelling. It has been stated that Storytelling has existed for many years according to Ohler. The Digital Storytelling approach allows for individuals to express a more personal and emotional aspect of the information that is being presented. It allows you the listener to feel the speaker's inner feelings and passion for the story being presented. These chapters also shared how Digital Storytelling can help develop your thoughts in a more effective manner.
Ohler's book provided me lots of information on many essentials of Digital Storytelling. It has been stated that Storytelling has existed for many years according to Ohler. The Digital Storytelling approach allows for individuals to express a more personal and emotional aspect of the information that is being presented. It allows you the listener to feel the speaker's inner feelings and passion for the story being presented. These chapters also shared how Digital Storytelling can help develop your thoughts in a more effective manner.
In this book there were many Digital Story examples that incorporated narration, music, still pictures, video and other forms of media to enhance the storytelling. All of the examples allowed the presenters an opportunity to develop one's own uniqueness and creativity. When reading these examples you get a sense of personal engagement and excitement of what is being shared. The stories are brought to life with music, pictures, and narration. The examples ranged from very plain to sophisticated Digital Storytelling. The most important factor of Digital Storytelling is that you determine the level of sophistication. The sophistication level would be a great assessment tool when evaluating one's project.
When thinking of our students today, Digital storytelling has provide an opportunity for a way to express their emotions and enthusiasm for a body of information that they wish to share or required to share. The chapters share lots of information on how students would benefit from Digital Storytelling, for example, students are able to develop and attain planning , organization, comprehension, and presentation skills. It has been stated that even those students that are reluctant speakers have found this approach (Digital Storytelling) less stressful. I have in the pass allowed students to share (do research reports) information utilizing digital media because of the level of anxiety when speaking in front of a group.
After reflecting on the reading and watching some pass digital storytelling videos, I am totally sold on the benefits of Digital Storytelling as an Educational Tool. It has integrated some of the educational standards such as content, technology, and language arts. Also, I feel students will be more willing to embrace Digital Storytelling due to their technology skills. They are bombarded with technology gadgets and need a way to utilizes these tools in an educational setting. The most profitable information I learned from these chapters is that Digital Storytelling has a place in the educational setting when students are guided with an open-minded instructor. The teacher ought to have a passion for promoting students' learning with the most modern tools available.
There has been a lot discussion about students being immersed in technology, which I believe in true. But most people leave out that students do not know how to use these tools for their own learning. I agree with you that digital storytelling is an excellent way for students to use the tools they already use (ex. GarageBand, iMovie, etc.) and use them to tell a story. What I love most about digital storytelling is that it can used across disciplines so it's not just an "English thing."
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget the. Opportunities that Dave sees for opening expression to quiet or reserved students. You have great vision, Dave. I'm sure middle school students who are apprehensive about giving gropu presentations feel an incredible amount of relief once they see you offer this option.
ReplyDeleteUsing the modern tools available now is very important in the educational system! As our culture changes, we need to change teaching methods as well - especially if they help motivate students & learn in newer and better ways. There are times and places for "old school" methods & while past methods of teaching are still important, hopefully every teacher can get excited & embrace all the newer tools available to use in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe Old School method is here to stay. This is an impt. measure of how education is progressing at a faster rate than what we were used to. Using DST as an innovative tool of expression is digging deep into student's world.
ReplyDeleteI am sure in some way or method, I will use DST as part of student learning. When used as freely and without restrictions, like lack of equipment, tech. issues,etc..DST has huge potential-it combines visuals and self-expression. To measure the finished product largely depends on peer review.