What questions (or answers) have formed in your mind in relation to digital storytelling? How does social media fit into the mix for you? What are the most important connections to learning overall?
I find that I am questioning the expanse of digital storytelling and the applications I could make within the classroom. Is a twitter thread narrating an event that happened over the course of time considered a non-fictional tale? Buzzfeed articles are considered to be literature, as many articles in print form are considered but where does story fall into this realm? Alexander (2011) highlighted some examples of storytelling in the 21st century and it resonated the strength of story, especially online. As an avid player of the Sims I constantly build a narrative through gameplay and type their history and life into the game. Is this a digital story of fictional characters I have created? It might not be quality literature but it’s engaging and my aim is to make meaning for my fictional characters and myself.
Social media platforms can be a thorn for teachers due to age restrictions and cyberbullying but if moderated and utilise different safety features, social media can provide a wealth of information and stories for students to gather and enjoy. The most important connections with learning is the ability to utilise the technology tools and skills developed in the classroom in a range of contexts to strengthen students’ ability to be members of the 21st century (Tackvic, 2012).
Alexander, B. (2011). Storytelling: A tale of two generations, Chapter 1. In The new digital storytelling: Creating narratives with new media. ABC-CLIO. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/lib/csuau/reader.action?docID=678297&ppg=20
Tackvic, C. (2012). Digital storytelling: Using technology to spark creativity. The Educational Forum, 76(4), 426. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00131725.2012.7075622