2. Digital stories combine the art of traditional story-
telling with the use of new technologies in a powerful,
interdisciplinary learning process, making stories more
compelling, educational, engaging and creative.
Digital story-telling is a short form of digital media
production that allows everyday people to share aspects
of their life story.
It allows students and teachers to tell their own
stories by using simple multimedia software to combine
the use of video, photos, art and audio such as music,
narration and sound effects into a single presentation.
A digital story is short – usually one to three minutes
in length, narrated in first person using your own
voice.
3. Still images are commonly used with camera tools
used to frame the shot, and to pan across the
photograph, or zoom in or out creating a sense of
movement within an image and across a sequence of
images.
Music and sound effects are used for dramatic effect to
add emotional tone. Moving image can also be used.
Digital storytelling has broad application across all
disciplines and year levels and is a highly motivating,
interactive learning process.
Making a digital story involves creative and critical
thinking, inquiry, writing, discussion, design,
production, reflection and presentation.
4. It provides opportunities for students to enhance
the expression of their own stories, thoughts and ideas in
creative and engaging ways, across a diverse range of
learning contexts.
Digital stories can be imaginative, they can be
reflective and analytical, and they can be factual.
It depends on the purpose of the task, the audience and
the genre chosen.
How can teachers use digital storytelling in the
classroom?
They can use it to teach new concepts in any subject area.
They can share personal stories or stories from another
country.
Your students can learn biographical information about
different historical figures.
5. Types of Digital Stories
1. Personal/Narrative Stories
This is the type of digital story assigned by teachers most
frequently. These stories can revolve around significant life
events, be emotionally charged, and be personally meaningful. If
you feel strongly about a certain event or person in your life, you
will likely write a powerful script.
Narrative stories are narrated with your own voice.
2. Stories that Inform or Instruct
This type of digital story is used to convey instructional material in
many different areas. These videos can serve as how-to help on
websites, available any time of day, anywhere in the world.
A good story has a beginning, middle and end.
6. 3. Stories that Examine Historical Events
Digital stories can be created to recount events from history.
People may use historical photographs, newspaper headlines,
speeches, and other available materials to craft a story that adds
depth and meaning to events from the past.
7. 1. Point of View
What is the main point of the story and what is the perspective of the
author?
2. A Dramatic Question
A key question that keeps the viewer's attention and will be answered by
the end of the story.
3. Emotional Content
Serious issues that come alive in a personal and powerful way and
connects the audience to the story.
4. The Gift of Your Voice
A way to personalize the story to help the audience understand the
context.
5. The Power of the Soundtrack
Music or other sounds that support and embellish the story.
6. Economy
Using just enough content to tell the story without overloading the
viewer.
7. Pacing
The rhythm of the story and how slowly or quickly it progresses.
The 7 Elements of Digital
Storytelling
