by Kristen Bevilacqua

Created on: August 25, 2009

Digital storytelling is an interactive narrative that uses digital technology to tell a story. The storytellers use various technologies - such as digital cameras and editing applications - and media - such as photos, artwork, audio and video - instead of just the traditional paper and pen to tell their stories. The visuals are combined with the audio in order to create a multimedia story.

The use of digital storytelling has grown in popularity in schools over recent years as technology has become more accessible and schools tackle the task of staying on the cutting edge of learning. The interweaving of new technology with an old medium has many benefits to students:

* Familiarity with Technology

The process introduces students to technology that they will need to know to be competitive as students and future prospective employees.

* Encourages Writing

Although the format uses visuals, audio and video, the narration that is created has the same structure of a written story or report. Students reluctant to write will have done so before they even realize it!

* Promotes Critical Thinking

Storytellers will brainstorm and research in order to develop ideas. Next the will create a draft, revise and edit. Finally they will publish and present the final product to their peers. This process for developing and creating ideas is one that can be applied to many projects and critical thinking situations.

* Wide Appeal

The format of digital storytelling appeals to even reluctant students who might otherwise not attempt to write and edit their own story. The use of interactive tools will keep students, who often may be easily distracted, focused on their project. Students who are already familiar with the technology will find comfort working with the medium.

* Sparks Imagination

The possibilities are endless with digital storytelling. The structure is flexible and leaves a lot of room for the storytellers to stretch their imagination and even try innovative ideas that might not work as well in traditional storytelling forms.

* Outlet of Expression

The stories told with digital storytelling can be fictional, personal, or factual. The ideas expressed are completely up to the storyteller. Young students who are just developing their personalities and personal convictions will be excited by the opportunity to express themselves.

Digital storytelling is the story in its most modern form. As technology evolves the way we communicate and relate to one another, it is important that human narratives evolve along with it.

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