I have really enjoyed reading the text, "Engaging Learners with Interactive Whiteboards." The setup for the literature through the use of an iPad definitely makes reading more fun and interactive. I especially liked how there is a highlighting option and creating notes in the text. The first chapter, About IWBs, talks about the different ways that IWBs are effective in the classroom for teachers and students. I like how it also points out the different struggles that are portrayed with the use of IWB and how important training is for it. This equipment can be used for instruction, highlighting, collaboration, multimedia, and feedback/response systems. It's an excellent way to have organized classroom management while encouraging classroom interaction during instruction. Research shows that there is a gain in literacy, mathematics, and science through the use of IWBs. I am amazed at the response system availability for this device. The response system allows teachers to get a quick assessment on lecture to see where the students are with comprehension of content.
I can see where IWBs would be very beneficial in the classroom if the teachers had appropriate training. However, according to the text, lack of proper training is why the device fails to provide the assistance to the teacher that is available. I was surprised to learn that most teachers do not receive training for IWBs prior to using it in their classroom. I have had two practicum placements at Tennessee School for the Deaf. Each classroom is equipped with an IWB, primarily Smart Boards, and I love the convenience of accessibility that it provides. Below is an example of me reading a book using the IWB (Smart Board) in the resource room at TSD. Having the book displayed on the screen makes it easier for me to sign the story. Having this kind of visual assistance is a great resource in a Deaf Education setting.
According to the University of Houston, Digital storytelling is like traditional storytelling but with the use of computer generated programs, pictures, audio, and video. It is a method to to combine all the resources available and compiling them together for an interactive storytelling video. A quote from John Seely Brown on the website makes a good point about the digital storytelling being a new way to use multimedia for kids who are growing up in the digital world today. This is yet another excellent opportunity to incorporate technology use in today's classroom. Both teachers and students can use this to create stories and lesson/projects. Lessons can be more engaging from the use of this technology. It is also an excellent idea for students collaborate and create projects to share online for immediate feedback. This website offers a good insight as to the seven elements that a digital story board should contain. I think this layout is good to make sure that the project is highlighted by these key questions.
Point of View
Dramatic Question
Emotional Content
Gift of Your Voice
Power of Your Soundtrack
Economy
Pacing
This website provides many links to check out other areas in digital storytelling. The Web 2.0 Resources have links to blogs, podcasts, wikis, and others. I checked out several of the blogs and found one that was very intriguing to me. It is called the Story Center Blog. Due to my hearing loss, I struggled in finding one that I could understand without
the captions available, but I found one narrated in another language but captioned for English that I thought was beautiful. Not entirely educational for students but empowering for adults, the blog is titled; "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence". Digital storytelling can be used for all subject areas.
I also think that digital storytelling is an excellent way for students to work on their literature skills, organization skills, and technology skills. I have attached a digital story from a seven year old girl who shares her experience parasailing. Please feel free to check this out and think about ways to implement a lesson like this for your future classroom.
