The purpose of this website is to be a useful resource for teachers and students who want to know how digital storytelling can be integrated into their classrooms. This website was created in 2004, but is updated by the Design and Technology Program at the University of Houston College of Education. This website stresses using your own materials for your digital story, but some of theirs may still contain still images, audio files and video clips that were found on the internet. You can find some of these materials on YouTube and other free image websites. You may also get materials from TV and DVDs.
This website wants to give examples of how digital stories can be used to keep students engaged and excited about the possibility of making their own digital stories. This website gives permission to teachers and students to use any material that is found on their website. If it is used though, the appropriate attribution must also be used which is included on the site.
Digital storytelling is using computer based tools to tell stories. It is combining the art of telling stories with the use of media. Most digital stories have a topic like other stories. Many digital stories unlike reading a story contain music and recorded audio narration. Digital storytelling is being used in all classrooms, from early childhood up until graduate school. There are eight steps to digital storytelling. The image to the right will show you the eight steps. This website was very helpful for giving step by step instructions. They also have a link to an article that goes more in depth about each step.
Digital storytelling is a great way to start a lesson. A virtual field trip somewhere could be a good first part in a lesson. It gets the students excited and interested in the topic, while keeping them entertained and engaged.
