Let's WATCH your story!

Story-telling was very attractive in that every students gathered in front of a teacher and picked up their ears not to miss a word. Nowadays, however, students just sit on the chair watching a monitor where the content and the narrative of the story are combined. It is digital story-telling that I am talking about. What is digital storytelling? It is the practive of combining narrative with digital content, including images, sound, and video, to create a short movie, typically with a strong emotional component, according to 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Storytelling. When people first hear the word, they might think it requires professional skills. However, it does not. Everyone can try making it. Then, how can the tool of digital storytelling be used in the classroom?

A teacher shows students a videoclip which is about her hobby. Students watch a lot of images, videos with sound effects and listen to her narrative. After watching it, students share their hobbies in a group. Making their own digital storytelling will be the assignment. Before making students do it, it is necessary for a teacher to demonstrate first so that students know what they are going to do. Talking about themselves or discussing certain topics can be a great way to use the tool. There are a few advantages of using it. First, digital stories let students express themselves not only with their own words but also in their own voices, fostering a sense of individuality and of 'owing' their own creations. (Quote from 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Storytelling ) Students will be motivated because they feel a sense of responsibility. Second, students who participate in the creation of digital stories may develop enhanced communication skills by learning to organize their ideas, ask questions, express opinions, and constructed narratives.(Quote from The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling ) This will keep students' autonomy. Third, the tool may help students develop integrated skills since listening, reading, writing, and speaking are combined. For instance, students write what they heard from the story, or speak their reflection after watching the story. It will be a useful tool for students to be encouraged to keep learning. 

People tell stories to teach beliefs and values to others. (Quote from 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Storytelling ) Although the way of conveying stories changes, the reason of it remains the same as before. As a teacher, using this tool is worth trying.