Digital storytelling is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories. Digital stories usually contain some mixture of computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips, and music. Topics can range from personal tales to the recounting of historical events, from exploring life in our community to exploring life in other corners of the universe, and everything in between.

Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling

1. Point of View - What is the main point of the story and what is the perspective of the author?

2. Dramatic Question - A key question that keeps the viewer's attention and will be answered by the end of the story.

3. Emotional Content - Serious issues that come alive in a personal and powerful way and connects the story to the audience.

4. The Gift of your Voice - A way to personalize the story to help the audience understand the context.

5. The Power of the Soundtrack - Music or other sounds that support and embellish the storyline.

6. Economy - Using just enough content to tell the story without overloading the viewer.

7. Pacing - The rhythm of the story and how slowly or quickly it progresses.

Educators at all levels can use digital storytelling to:

• Introduce new material
• Help students learn to conduct research
• Synthesize large amounts of content
• Gain expertise in digital communication and authoring tools
• Help students organize ideas for an audience
• Present ideas / knowledge in an individual and meaningful way
• Create a hook for a lesson
• Enhance unit lesson plans
• Appeal to diverse learning styles
• Generate interest, attention, and motivation
• Capitalize on creative talents
• Publish student work for viewing / critiquing by others
• Promote the accomplishments of cross-curricular academic standards

http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/index.html

As a kindergarten teacher, I can definitely see the use of teacher created digital stories in the classroom. Kids of all ages will respond positively to creative interpretations of academic content. In elementary schools, I believe the creation of digital stories is appropriate for students in fifth grade. Fifth grade students could use digital storytelling to reflect on their days in elementary school. The media specialist could collaborate with the classroom, art, and music teachers to help students develop a fifth grade project. The classroom teacher could work with students on the writing aspect. The art teacher could work with students on the visual aspect. The music teacher could work with students on the audio aspect. The media specialist could work with students on the technology aspect. This project would allow students to create a memoir which could be shared with family and friends via the Internet.