Week 14 Reading

 “The most obvious thing to say about digital stories and other kinds of signification that are mediated by new information technologies is that they offer distinctive contrasts to the primarily alphabetic texts and the forms of textual reasoning that predominate in schools and universities.”

I like how this statement offers a view on digital stories.  I feel that there is potential to the technologies being used in the classroom.  I think we as teachers to use digital technologies to help students develop reasoning skills on a whole new level. 

Another key point this quote makes is that it includes universities.  Higher education is focusing more and more on the technologies being developed.  During my undergrad, I learned of many ways that I can use technology within the classroom.  While it is important to embrace these changes, I truly believe we should not let the changes consume us.  We need to strive to keep the good from the past and enhance it as technology continues to develop.

This picture incorporates all the ideas and keypoints addressed in digital storytelling.  

1.     1.  How does digital storytelling support academic literacies?

Digital storytelling has a lot of components.  The idea of writing and imagery can be used in English and Reading classes.  Also while students create digital stories, they are incorporating technology skills that they can use for future use. 

2.       2.Now that you have created your own digital story, do you think that using images, words and music to create a message is simplistic compared to traditional alphabetic print based argumentation?

I don’t think it is simplistic, but I think it is easier to express more than one idea.  Being raised in the technology age, I think that I can express myself easier by using music and images.  I was told that I am a man of few words.  I really don’t need words when it comes to creating a digital story.  There are multiple ways I can present myself and still make the message relay. 

3.    3.   After creating your own digital story, do you see how digital storytelling can help develop a stronger sense of agency in their own lives? Do you think this might have a positive impact on students’ academic lives? How? Why?

I think that digital stories would have a positive impact on student’s academic lives.  They are able to get engaged with school and develop something that will express who they are.  Increasing student participation is one goal for almost all teachers.  This is a great activity that will help get the students involved and get them motivated.  This idea of digital storytelling can always be modified to include lesson material and CSOs that need to be covered by the teacher.