Progress of my DST
At this point, I have made progress on creating my full story map and most of my script, and I am still developing my story table. Creating my story map was easier than I expected after following some of the ideas mentioned by Ohler (2023) in his blog on how to create a digital story. I used his story arc model and incorporated the five elements of a story plot in hopes that readers will find this story both inspirational and educational.
My Plan for the Week 7 Presentation
I have been exploring Book Creator as the digital tool I will most likely use to create my story. I find this e-book creator very complete, as it allows me to incorporate media such as pictures, videos, and even record my voice. What I feel I need assistance with is the pacing and transition component of my story, since I want it to flow smoothly from beginning to end with natural transitions that enhance understanding of the message I want to convey in my story core.
Reviewed Resources for This Week and Their Potential Application
This week, I continued using the rich and very helpful information from 8 Steps to Great Digital Storytelling, particularly the section that suggests gathering and creating all the images, audio, and possible videos to include in our stories, as these elements will shape the tone and impact of the final product (Morra, 2013).
Morra (2013) also explains that, when creating our story scripts, we need to make a literary decision about whether to narrate our story using first, second, or third person. Since my story shares my personal journey and how immigration shaped my cultural awareness and worldview, I am choosing to use the first person to tell it.
After reviewing Restifo’s (2022) list of the best sites and apps for digital storytelling, I discovered many tools that could portray my story in a smooth and engaging way, including options for those who want to work with videos, cartoons, or other creative formats. However, I continue to strongly lean toward using Book Creator as my main tool for developing my DST, as it allows me to embed different types of content and appears to be a very complete platform.
Authentic audience of my story
My story is intended primarily for other immigrants who come to the U.S. or move to countries with distinct cultures and languages. It is also meant to be read by ESL teachers and school or college administrators who work with immigrant students, especially adult learners. This story will resonate most with people who have gone through similar experiences after leaving their home countries, as the main purpose of the project is to show the importance of becoming culturally aware in order to understand and respect the established cultures of our new environments without losing our own identities. I believe this story can be impactful in different settings, especially in education, as it promotes respect, empathy, and open-mindedness.
skills and knowledge I have developed as I create my DST
While creating my story, I feel I have strengthened my reflective skills and deepened my understanding of how language and culture are intertwined. I am also developing more digital literacy skills; for example, organizing a story arc, researching more about my focus topic, and using digital tools to communicate a message clearly and authentically.
How might my community/students be impacted by engaging in digital storytelling? What role can I play?
Digital storytelling can help my students explore their own cultural identities, build confidence in sharing their experiences, and develop empathy by listening to others’ stories. I believe that learners who read my digital story can reflect on how they are adapting to their new environment, and the larger community can gain a better understanding of the realities of cultural adaptation.
As an educator, my role is to guide students through the storytelling process, encourage them to reflect on their personal journeys, and create a safe, inclusive environment where diverse voices are honored. My role is to model vulnerability, cultural awareness, and respect while giving students the tools to express themselves meaningfully.
References
Morra, S. (2013, May 30). 8 steps to great digital storytelling. EdTechTeacher. https://edtechteacher.org/8-steps-to-great-digital-storytelling-from-samantha-on-edudemic/
Restifo, D. (2022, July 11). 30 sites and apps for digital storytelling. Tech & Learning. https://www.techlearning.com/tl-advisor-blog/30-sites-and-apps-for-digital-storytelling
