Happy Halloween
Post date: Oct 31, 2012 4:9:44 PM
I found this creepy video online that tells the tale of the Banshee (See Below). I thought it was perfect for helping teachers to get into the Halloween spirit. It is also a perfect example of digital storytelling. I love the fact that digital storytelling can be used cross-curricular. It doesn't matter if you are a 6th grade science teacher or an 8th grade Civics teacher - digital storytelling can be implemented into any content area or grade level. If you haven't done so already, I recommend you to try digital storytelling with one or all of your class(es).
A major benefit of digital story telling is the fact that it establishes emotional connections and helps us to better understand others. It also encourages the use of imagination and creativity, increases verbal proficiency, allows for active participation among students, and increases a students willingness to communicate thoughts and feelings.
There are many tools & programs currently available that students can use to help them effectively portray their stories. Audacity is a very simple program that allows students to record their voices. Windows Movie Maker takes this a step further. Unlike Audacity, which only allows for voice recording, Windows Movie Maker makes it possible for students to record their voices and insert images to help illustrate their story. Both of these programs are already installed on the student laptops and both can be utilized without an internet connection.
A great web 2.0 resource that you may want to consider is Voicethread.com. Voicethread combines all the benefits of Windows Movie Maker, but allows for commenting by a child's teacher and/or peers. Another benefit of Voicethread would be the fact that it provides you with a URL upon the projects completion that you can share out with others. Now your digital story is no longer confined to the classroom, but can be shared with the world at large. Below are direction links for using Audacity, Windows Movie Maker, and Voicethread. I have also included a link to a short spine-tingling digital story entitled, "The Banshee" - Happy Halloween!
The Banshee -
"You will with the Banshee chat, and find her good at heart" - W.B. Yeats
