Thursday, May 20, 2010

Digital Storytelling Week 2

This week we had to create a presentation using Voicethread. I had never heard of this tool before but it sure does make it easy to create a narrated story with pictures. What a great way for teachers to get kids involved with storytelling. It is similar to creating podcasts but without the hassle of using some complex software. There are some limitations to the software and the free tool is not feature-rich like the subscription model. At least the full version is not too expensive. At only $60/year for 100 students the price is affordable by most schools.

I am also starting to realize where storytelling can come in handy. I did a presentation yesterday at a school about how our teachers use technology in the classroom. I did this mostly by demonstration but found myself telling stories and using those stories as examples for the teachers. They reacted in a positive way and told me at the end of the discussion that the stories I used as examples helped them realize what they could do with the technology in their classroom.

I might start using students and teachers at my school to create short videos that I can show during my presentations. This will hopefully create a positive connection with the audience. They will be able to see how students and teachers are affected by technology. By having it come from someone other than an administrator they may be more open to embracing technology in the classroom.
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2 comments:

  1. Brian AdamsMay 23, 2010 at 4:09 PM

    I like your idea about using video of teachers and students for digital storytelling at work. By having both groups participate in the creation of the story (video) they become active stakeholders in the process.

    VoiceThread is certainly an easy and inexpensive solution (as you pointed-out) for having students create digital stories. One of the earlier themes in an MEIT course was about having content that was authentic to the learners. What could be more authentic than students telling their own stories?

    I seem to recall that when I would come back to school in the fall my teacher would try to round us up again and talk about our summer breaks. I was thinking that teachers could use VoiceThread to have students put together a presentation during the first 1-2 days of school. It would settle them in and lightly challenge them with easy software. More importantly, it would get their noodles turning in a 21st century skills direction.

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  2. Mike WaldvogelMay 23, 2010 at 5:50 PM

    Mike,

    I am glad that stories made your presentation go more smoothly. Personally, I would agree that stories make learning much easier and more enjoyable. It is much better than just listening to someone read a PowerPoint slide!

    I have never heard of Voicethread either but I have to admit that I really like it. More importantly, students would enjoy it! It would actually make learning fun for 95% of students I would guess.

    I can not wait to use it next year in all of my classes.

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