I have to admit, this week when I began practicing the art of digital storytelling, I was a little intimidated. When I first read the term “digital storytelling” I understandably assumed it was a reference to creating illustrated stories on the computer. Well, as it turns out, that’s not really what it is. At least, not exclusively. This video really helped me to better grasp the concept.
Now we both understand just what this digital storytelling is all about, let’s get back to discussing my first attempt at creating my own digital story. I’ve been hearing a lot of good stuff about a program called Prezi. This innovative and free online digital media authoring tool allows you to create presentations in a unique way. I created a very short and simple presentation on digital storytelling and how it is useful in the classroom. Without further ado, here it is!
The process took about an hour. Since it was my first time using Prezi, it took a little while to figure out all the tools even after watching an interactive tutorial. I was a little frustrated that I couldn’t think of a clever way to include graphics, but I think overall it was a good initial effort. I didn’t want to make it too complicated for fear it would end up looking like a jumbled mess. I would really enjoy using this in the classroom. I think my future students will be very engaged and excited about viewing and using the program. It wasn’t until planning out my presentation that I realized all the fantastic benefits of using digital storytelling and programs such as Prezi and Powerpoint with students.
What will you use Prezi and other digital media authoring tools for?
I've used Prezi for curriculum night at my school. I did it through Prezi because I wanted to get away from the traditional powerpoint. I thought it was the perfet opportunity because this year I received a Smartboard in my classroom. I too was a bit frustrated that I couldn't get graphics in there as I would like, but I did take some pictures on a camera and was able to load those for my students beginning of the year school tour Prezi. I think Prezi is an eye-catching different way to keep audiences interested!
ReplyDeleteI must admit that this was my first time even hearing about prezi with this assignment.I also was more than a bit frustrated when trying to figure prezi out. With a powerpoint you just add slides so I guess i was waiting for the next slide as I entered my information. The more I played around with it the more I begin to get a better understanding on how to use prezi.I think students would actually enjoy working with this program. We had a presentation about how to use the smart board. Hopefully my school will decide to purchase to a few for the benefit of teachers and students.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about your frustrations with Prezi, I am glad I went with SlideShare instead. Since you had a bit of difficulty initially, do you think your students might experience the same issues?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your presentation because it included the questions I had when I first learned about digital storytelling! I also liked how you embedded the video with the explanation of digital storytelling as it provides people with a simple and easy to understand explanation.
Great presentation! I was quite excited to create a digital story and I was a little nervous about trying new software. I knew that I was a fast learn and I love to integrate technology throughout my classroom. The Prezi software tutorial was quite helpful and I utilize it throughout the digital storytelling. It was so exciting and engaging that I ended up spending over 3 hours exploring and creating my video. I got so caught up into the assignment that I didn’t realized that time flew by. Wow, can you believe how excited we both got when creating our video; I can’t imagine our students’ reactions. I also realized that when students create a movie or interactive show to tell their story, it becomes quite personal. Also with a digital storytelling, students can improve their writing, show creativity and have a voice. I planned on using this new software in my classroom. After spring break, I’ll introduce it to my students and hopefully by next school year, I will be a lot better at Prezi.
ReplyDelete