Digital Storytelling Across the Curriculum
Allowing students to make a personal connection to their learning allows for deeper understanding. Using a variety of technology tools, students are able tell their stories in new ways. This doesn't need to be a technologically complex project, however structures surrounding planning, researching, writing, and product completion need to be in place to help students be successful.
- Listen to teacher Ginny Hoke as she describes how she uses blogging and digital storytelling in her high school languages arts class.
- Chocolate — the 2006 movie about child slave labor on the Ivory Coast (fast forward to 4:33) produced by Mabry Middle School students.
2007-08 Digital Storytelling Cadre participants implemented digital storytelling projects in their classes. Below are some of examples of their students' work.
- Connie Opsal, Moffitt Elementary: A Street Canal by 3rd grade students Jerry and Hector
- Erin Whitlock, Agnes Stewart MS: Treating Pets with Respect by the Cloey, Joe, Seth, Josh, Aaron, Terrance, Shyanne, Roger, and Jeremy
- Sandra Green, Thurston HS: El Medio Ambiente by Spanish students Lindsay and Jenna
- Additional ideas for digital storytelling projects...
Wanted: Teachers who want to implement digital storytelling projects in their classrooms. The focus of this project is to engage students in an authentic learning experience in which research, writing, and oral reading skills are reinforced and that allows for public recognition of their work. These projects can range from a four picture movie with student narration to longer video projects depending upon grade level, time, and teacher technology comfort level.
Target Audience: Teachers of grades 3-12
Staff development: Participation in the project is voluntary and it is requested that participants commit to all sessions. Professional development leave may be used to participate in the half day trainings.
- four after school days (Tuesdays: Oct 28 in the Thurston MS computer lab; Dec 9 in Connie Opsals' room at Moffitt Elementary; Feb 10, and May 12 from 3:45-4:45) — iMovie basics; project planning; technology management; project check in
- two half days (Wednesdays: Nov 12 and Mar 11 from 7:45-11:15am) — iMovie and iWeb
- district staff development day (1:00-4:00pm — Elementary: Jan 29, Room 1 @ Centennial Elemenary; Middle and SHS/GLC/A3: Dec 1) — iMovie project work time/small group work times with mentor teachers
- additional classroom assistance as needed
Meeting locations will vary; info will be sent by email. Note: Technical support for posting student work will be provided.
The application window is now closed for this project. See the project web page for more information.
See the Digital Storytelling Instructional Resources web page for more information about digital storytelling in the classroom.
Contact Information: 726-3430 or by email for further information.
