Using Digital Storytelling to Help Reluctant Readers Thrive

My students tell me they HATE reading!

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When I ask why, they tell me:

“It’s boring.”

“It’s hard.”

“I learn better from a movie.”

“I like movies better.”

“Too many hard words.”

“It makes me tired.”

But reading is necessary! So I try to motivate my students by:

Making PowerPoints

Finding podcasts for students to listen to.

Finding video clips that support the story.

Finding audioclips that add sound

Wait a minute . . . .

I’m learning new skillsand

I’m having all the fun!

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Enter Digital Storytelling

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Digital Storytelling is …

Transformative for learners.

They bring their own ideas, beliefs, values and understandings into a project to create an original work based on their learning.

Digital Storytelling is . . . Engaging learners in the storytelling process using digital tools.

Vallejo High School robotics team by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on flickrwww.flickr.com/photos/usacehq/7402099482/CC by NC 2.0

Digital Storytelling . . .

Builds on digital natives’ interests and strengths (Gunter & Kenny, 2008).

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Digital Storytelling . . .

Helps students practice 21st Century Skills

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And 21st Century Literacies

21st Century Literacies by Langwitches on flickrwww.flickr.com/photos/langwitches/3941952968/CC by NC –SA 2.0

So how do you do “digital storytelling?”

Start with the story.

Explore ideas and interests with the students.

Develop a project plan.

Help students use technology to gather resources and recreate their story based on what they have learned.

Resources:

Gunter, G. & Kenny, R. (2008) Digital booktalk: Digital media for reluctant readers. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education 8(1), 84-99.