Digital Storytelling

The difference between engagement and interactivity is the shift from using computers as a form of media delivery device to implementing them as communication tools (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999). I think this is a contemporary reflection of the direction modern teaching methods should be evolving and as Torres (n.d. as cited in Lubbock Independent Schools District, 2009) states, "Digital kids need learning to be relevant, meaningful, and applicable now".

Digital Storytelling combines the art of oral storytelling and modern multimedia tools to construct and deliver stories using images, sound, music and voice (Lubbock Independent Schools district, 2009). Put simply, a written story is converted to digital using multimedia and editing tools, to provide an engaging, media rich,visual representation of the original story. This transition from written to digital can only benefit the students' providing a feeling of accomplishment in seeing their work published. The construction and delivery of digital stories assist is developing students in the following ways-

• Writing skills
• Speaking and visual skills
• Technical skills
• Personal Development skills

Follow this link for a further explanation on these skills. Digital Storytelling

References

Kearsley, G., Shneiderman, B., (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 18, 2009, from
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Lubbock Independent School District. (2009). Digital Storytelling. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://www.lubbockisd.org/sfirenza/storytelling/