This is a reflection of the benefits of using Digital Storytelling in the classroom--what it is, how to do it and why! :)

1. Why Digital Storytelling? By Amy E. Ayers EME 5050

2. In my Technology class this week, we were asked to think about the benefit of Digital Storytelling in our classroom. It made me think…….. What is it? How do I begin? Why use it? What are the benefits?

3. Thinking about how we grew up….Storytelling was probably presented verbally or reading from a book…

4. But today’s Digital Kidsneed more…

5. Digital kids learn best by…. Hands-on interaction Multi-tasking Utilizing digital media Collaboration and Social networking And so much more…..

6. As teachers, what can we do to— Capture Reach Stimulate Awaken Motivate Inspire Encourage Excite and Support Our students?

7. One way is through Digital Storytelling Now, you may be thinking…. Digital Storytelling? What is that?

8. Digital Storytelling is a “Digital Explanation” It can be…. An actual traditional story A teachable concept or idea A presentation of a chapter, book or text An experiment or demonstration A ‘how-to’ exercise A sharing of thoughts Or whatever YOU want it to be!

9. Digital Storytelling integrates technology like…. All to…. Photos Movie clips Music Voice or sounds Links Graphics Animation and Text To make a point To give the message To explain And to reach

10. Where do I start?Digital Story telling comes in many forms, such as: PowerPoint Presentations Slideshows Podcasts Movies Videos or Animations

11. We need to understand our kids today… Ask yourself---Why should I? They need more than the “traditional-style” teaching Their brains are wired differently They are using technology at younger and younger ages —they aren’t afraid of it They multitask They learn best by many modes of instruction and need to interact with them to grow and learn.

12. Guess What? Instead of requiring that old boring type of “book report”—your students can create a digital storytelling project…. Let Your students….. Share Learn Collaborate Explore Express Be the teacher

13. And the benefits? With digital storytelling you are opening up a whole new presentation style to your students You will be meeting the needs that the students need to grow and learn You will be reaching,inspiring,captivating,teaching, and feedingtheir brains the way they are wired to work.

14. We need to move forward with our students…. We need to incorporate the technologies they are used to.

15. We need to move forward with our students…. We need to give them the opportunity to use “different technologies” in our classroom.

16. We need to move forward with our students…. We need to prepare them for the digital world that is constantly changing.

17. We need to move forward with our students…. We need to facilitate and let them take the lead.

18. We need to move forward with our students…. We need to give them the skills they need to be successfuland competitive in the 21st century!

19. So…Give it a Go! Make a plan Pick the technologies you want to use Take a risk and try it out Move forward Create, share and collaborate Have fun!

20. Be the change…. Make it happen and do it for the kids.

21. References Shelly, G., Gunter, G., & Gunter, R. (2010). Integrating technology and classroom media in the classroom. Boston: course technology.Digital storytelling in plain EnglishMusic by: Disney’s Official Album-Tree of Life