Digital storytelling isn't actually as complicated as it might sound. It is simply the use of computer tools to tell a story. This includes the use of text, pictures, audio and video.
The link below gives access to the source of this information and more.
Illuminated texts are a great example of digital storytelling. An illuminated text is simply some text from a poem, book, novel or similar digitalised on the screen, with the addition of movement, music and pictures. It is basically a 21st century version of an illustrated manuscript, and makes a text much more interactive and accessible to children.
I have added a video below of an illuminated text I made last year as an example of a poem. I used the poem 'On the Ning Nang Nong' by Spike Milligan, with the Music from Benny Hill. The fonts and colours also reflect the nature of the poem.
I have added a video below of an illuminated text I made last year as an example of a poem. I used the poem 'On the Ning Nang Nong' by Spike Milligan, with the Music from Benny Hill. The fonts and colours also reflect the nature of the poem.
I used this in a literacy lesson and it really motivated to children to write their own poetry, and had I been there longer they would have created some of their own using powerpoint.
Another good piece of software is photo story, which is an application for windows. I have used this software with seven year olds, who all completed the tasks with ease. It is a brilliant way for children to get started on the idea of a storyboard. They can add pictures and order them, add text to the photos, and add their own music. This software would be a good introduction to the idea of an illuminated text with children who are not as efficient with powerpoint.
Tellagami is an app for the iPad that allows children to create their own character who can share a message that you record or type in.
This is my Tellagami character in a classroom I spent some of the holidays working in.:
This is my Tellagami character in a classroom I spent some of the holidays working in.:
Children would really enjoy using this app, and lots of schools are now buying class sets of iPads.
The final things I am going to mention are digital novels. These are more than just iBooks/kindle books, they are interactive and full of music, pictures and other sound. They are a way of reaching out to children who just want to be looking at a screen or don't usually enjoy reading without the extra stimuli.
One of the best examples of a digital novel is 'Inanimate Alice'. The picture below links to the website where this can be found.
One of the best examples of a digital novel is 'Inanimate Alice'. The picture below links to the website where this can be found.
I would personally use these with powerpoint so children can explore the idea of hyperlinks and setting up their own digital story with more than one outcome/storyline to choose from. It could also be used simply with powerpoint to create a story that can be printed and made into a book.
All of these pieces of software and apps help bring literacy into the 21st century to engage children using technology. In my experience children respond very well using technology and enjoy their lessons.