The Digital Story is Complete

Over the past three weeks I have learned a lot about digital stories. I don't feel like I know how to make them exactly, someone else in my group put it all together, but I can see how they can help or hurt a lesson in the classroom. I also know how to use tutorials to help me when I am ready to make a story of my own.

In another one of my classes, I saw a digital story that helped create the perfect atmosphere for the subject matter being taught. The lesson was on how Sept. 11, 2001 affected the market. We watched a digital story that brought back the same feelings that I felt when the day actually happened. I can distinctly remember sitting in my living room my sophomore year of college, watching the news and feeling fear and dread. It is amazing how seeing the digital story had the same affect. It made everyone remember something different and the class discussion that occurred afterwards was intense.

Using a digital story to introduce a subject is an amazing way to get students on the same page. It must be thoroughly thought out and aligned with what is being taught. A well placed/created digital story will be remembered by students and help them to remember material taught as well. The more a student feels when being taught, the more they will be able to remember because it gives the lesson personal meaning.

I think that the biggest drawback of digital stories, is the amount of time and thought it takes to put one together. However, once completed, it can be used multiple times, by multiple teachers if it is well done. I am excited to use this in my classroom in the future. It is something that will make me a better teacher and will give my class meaning.

This week's video, Three Steps, wasn't as exciting as previous video's we have watched. It did however have some very good ideas. I liked the three steps that the video suggested. Step 1- transform your classroom into a creative learning space. Step 2- teach students the skills of competition, cooperation, and collaboration. Step 3- introduce your students to their global peers and provide the opportunity for them to collaborate. I think that classrooms should be creative learning spaces. Student interaction is a great way to promote learning. Students should be able to compete with themselves, cooperate with others and work together. I think that one way to make the world a better place is to work together as people. If students are able to work with other kids from around the world, they will be more loving and tolerant of all types of people.