This lesson digs into digital storytelling for both instructional and assessment purposes. Students deepen their understanding of a concept, but storytelling encourages students to develop their creativity and communication skills. The concept of digital storytelling is not new to me as an educator, but it is not something I use frequently. Students record themselves during our Nuclear Energy Debate unit, but we do not do many other storytelling activities. I have used the website Storyboard That in the past as an enrichment activity, not an assessment. Using a rubric will allow students to express their understanding, stretch their creativity, and let me assess their knowledge.
All of my students have 1:1 school-issued Chromebooks. These Chromebooks can access the Storyboard That website. Currently, my students only have access to the free version, which limits the images, voice recording aspect, and a few other features. PhET is a free virtual simulation software available to all students, while BoomCards requires the teacher to pay for the card sets and different levels of memberships. It would be nice if our school paid for the full version of this Storyboard, but there can be workarounds. Students can record their projects through Loom, a free screen recording software. BoomCards can be shared as a playable link, not as an assignment, if the teacher does not want to pay for the full version. Grants or yearly budget line items may be added to increase accessibility to these online programs.
Smartphones are off limits at my school. Recently, our governor signed a bill prohibiting smartphones in elementary and middle schools. Smartphones have awesome apps and collaboration tools, including cameras to create reels and videos, and easy access to different websites. However, all of these can still be accomplished through student Chromebooks. Keeping cell phones out of students' hands and classrooms increases student engagement and collaboration (Belan & Murphy, 2016 ). Honestly, 1:1 Chromebooks are distractions enough.
Digital storytelling can be a good tool for changing how students are assessed and getting a more accurate understanding (Sadik, 2008). Students must display their knowledge beyond rote memorization, synthesizing content while making real-world connections. These technologies also allow students to vary the way they demonstrate their understanding, which may better fit their learning style. Giving students clear expectations and a rubric beforehand also increases the chances of success and allows for accurate assessment.
All of my students have 1:1 school-issued Chromebooks. These Chromebooks can access the Storyboard That website. Currently, my students only have access to the free version, which limits the images, voice recording aspect, and a few other features. PhET is a free virtual simulation software available to all students, while BoomCards requires the teacher to pay for the card sets and different levels of memberships. It would be nice if our school paid for the full version of this Storyboard, but there can be workarounds. Students can record their projects through Loom, a free screen recording software. BoomCards can be shared as a playable link, not as an assignment, if the teacher does not want to pay for the full version. Grants or yearly budget line items may be added to increase accessibility to these online programs.
Smartphones are off limits at my school. Recently, our governor signed a bill prohibiting smartphones in elementary and middle schools. Smartphones have awesome apps and collaboration tools, including cameras to create reels and videos, and easy access to different websites. However, all of these can still be accomplished through student Chromebooks. Keeping cell phones out of students' hands and classrooms increases student engagement and collaboration (Belan & Murphy, 2016 ). Honestly, 1:1 Chromebooks are distractions enough.
Digital storytelling can be a good tool for changing how students are assessed and getting a more accurate understanding (Sadik, 2008). Students must display their knowledge beyond rote memorization, synthesizing content while making real-world connections. These technologies also allow students to vary the way they demonstrate their understanding, which may better fit their learning style. Giving students clear expectations and a rubric beforehand also increases the chances of success and allows for accurate assessment.
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