From the recommended website I learned about what digital storytelling is and how it can be implemented in the classroom. During one section, the author describes Digital Storytelling as “The intersection between the age- old art of storytelling and access to powerful technology that is easy to learn and use.” I think it is very true that through this type of media literacy, readers are able to learn about stories from many different cultures and genres while becoming more knowledgeable about advances in technology. The digital pictures and tools used to tell a digital story can be helpful in improving students’ comprehension and vocabulary in reading. Additionally, the level of engagement that is likely to result from Digital Storytelling can greatly affect the learning outcomes of students in your classroom. Video clips, audio narration, and music can all lend themselves to better reading experiences for students of all ages. Teachers can also consider using Digital Storytelling as a way to differentiate the instruction of a class with a wide range of abilities. Students can read books on varying reading levels but still enjoy the discussion involved in studying one unique topic. Furthermore, students who struggle in fluency can hear what good reading sounds like and model after the narrations. With all these advantages to using Digital Storytelling in the classroom, it is not hard to understand why many teachers are incorporating them into reading instruction.

I think one of the best ways to use Digital Storytelling in the classroom is to ask your students to make their own storybook on the computer. Though they can certainly benefit from listening and interacting with pre-made resources, an even better option would be to have the students create stories of their own. Many different standards could be reached when students go through the writing process to create a published piece of work through Digital Storybooks. One rubric that I recently came across included criteria on planning, use of technology, mechanics, and group dynamics. I think this type of project would be very beneficial for students and would offer them experiences that are well rounded and fun.