This past week, I have learned a lot of new information about using digital storytelling software in the classroom. As a student in UCF's college of Education, I have spent a lot of time working with teachers in local classrooms. One class I worked in was a third grade class at Longleaf Elementary. During my time spent working with this teacher, one of the projects I spent a lot of time on with the students was helping them to create a digital storybook of their class. Each student had one 30 second slide in which they uploaded an image of themselves (taken with a digital camera during media activity time), and then read into the microphone information about themselves (which they had worked on and revised during writing time in the classroom). The students then selected a piece of background music to accompany their slide. At the end of the year, the class got to watch the story, and each student received a copy of the disk to keep. From what I experienced, this activity had a very positive impact on the students, and each of them looked forward to the time where they got to work on their digital storytelling. Through this activity, the students worked on their writing skills, verbal and reading skills, as well as gaining experience in the use of digital video cameras and digital cameras, microphones and putting everything together on the software program. Most of all, the students had FUN and got to explore their creativity.
After watching the YouTube video
Digital Storytelling in Plain English, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP6CeGLPuOY, I found myself learning even more about this great piece of technology. For an assignment in one of my courses, I found myself using PowerPoint software to create my own digital storytelling. I have had a lot of experience with powerpoint and other desktop office software, so I found myself pretty comfortable in creating this presentation. The version I used has a very easy to use wizard, which guides you through most of the set up process. I had fun choosing a relevant background layout (a keyboard) which was in the database of the software, and deciding how I was going to present my information. As I was creating this presentation, I found myself thinking of ways this program could be used by students, for example as a way to organize content for students in their lessons. Powerpoint provides easy to read headings, subheadings and bullet points which could be a great way for students to create graphic organizers, timelines, stories and other presentations.
I could not agree with you more that, “This past week, I have learned a lot of new information about using digital storytelling software in the classroom” (para. 1). Indeed, this activity was very informative and exiting. As I learned more about digital storytelling during the activity, I was also planning a number of activities which I can incorporate in my future lesson plans.
ReplyDeleteYour story regarding the third grade class at the Longleaf Elementary—creating a digital storybook of their class—seems wonderful. I was thinking how these kinds of activities would help these students mastering digital media applications as they grow up. In addition, the results of these activities may be more memorable—when they grow up—compared with cherishable photos most of us have from our elementary classes.
I do also like the PowerPoint program for as you correctly indentified, “provides easy to read headings, subheadings and bullet points which could be a great way for students to create graphic organizers, timelines, stories and other presentations” (para. 2). I have some experience using PowerPoint; however, I used Prezi which was an excellent choice as well. It looks and feels quite differently than the PowerPoint. Thought, as far as content, capability, and variety, I believe that Powerpoint is superior.
I love your idea to use power point as a way to culminate the year. My first thought was the same thing as a slide show type of activity. Did you have an easier time adding music to power point? I couldn't figure it out on prezi.
ReplyDeleteThis week was very exciting in the "learning new things" area for me too. I was very excited to learn a task that was new, and fresh. Slide show presentations are not new, but the format of prezi was very fresh to me. I have used both programs, PP and now prezi. I am not sure which one i like better. Did you try prezi?