Using Digital Storytelling to Help Reluctant Readers Thrive
My students tell me they HATE reading!
My r
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When I ask why, they tell me:
“It’s boring.”
“It’s hard.”
“I learn better from a movie.”
“I like movies better.”
“Too many hard words.”
“It makes me tired.”
But reading is necessary! So I try to motivate my students by:
Making PowerPoints
Finding podcasts for students to listen to.
Finding video clips that support the story.
Finding audioclips that add sound
Wait a minute . . . .
I’m learning new skillsand
I’m having all the fun!
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Enter Digital Storytelling
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Digital Storytelling is …
Transformative for learners.
They bring their own ideas, beliefs, values and understandings into a project to create an original work based on their learning.
Digital Storytelling is . . . Engaging learners in the storytelling process using digital tools.
Vallejo High School robotics team by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on flickrwww.flickr.com/photos/usacehq/7402099482/CC by NC 2.0
Digital Storytelling . . .
Builds on digital natives’ interests and strengths (Gunter & Kenny, 2008).
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Digital Storytelling . . .
Helps students practice 21st Century Skills
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And 21st Century Literacies
21st Century Literacies by Langwitches on flickrwww.flickr.com/photos/langwitches/3941952968/CC by NC –SA 2.0
So how do you do “digital storytelling?”
Start with the story.
Explore ideas and interests with the students.
Develop a project plan.
Help students use technology to gather resources and recreate their story based on what they have learned.
Resources:
Gunter, G. & Kenny, R. (2008) Digital booktalk: Digital media for reluctant readers. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education 8(1), 84-99.