This week I am looking into Digital Storytelling in which Common Sense Media defines as, "The practice of using web-based tools to create and tell stories; they usually contain some mixture of digital images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and/or music." Digital Storytelling can be used across grade levels from Pre-K thru 12. Digital Storytelling allows student to flex their creative muscles and CREATE original technology rather just CONSUME it. Students should be contributors to the technology that is around them and Digital Storytelling can be just the right tool for the job.

Let's start from the littles and work our way up!

Apps and Websites Ages 6+

Stop motion which can really can be used at any age to showcase stories, knowledge, or just for fun. Easy for students to get started quickly and produce. Stop Motion can be created using any camera, easily through a phone or tablet, and shared. Here is an example used in high school for a Mitosis project.

Apps & Websites Ages 13+

Probably one of the most powerful websites out there is Story Corps, I heard about this resources earlier this school year and was blown away. Story Corps "mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world." Your students can participate by interviewing or creating their own story to be heard-giving them a voice that can be shared over and over. They could even browse and listen to stories from around the world.

A free tool for mobile phones and small-screen devices, the app puts the Story Corps experience entirely in the hands of users and enables anyone, anywhere to record meaningful conversations with another person. The app guides users through the interview experience, from recording to archiving to sharing their stories with the world. It provides easy-to-use tools to help people prepare interview questions; record high-quality conversations on their mobile devices; and upload the audio to the Library of Congress.

Powtoons allows users to create animated videos to use for story telling or presentations. Ever have that kid that is too nervous to present-this is the perfect tool, allows them to be creative and still have a voice without stage fright. Uses choose characters, animations, text and can voice over.