Digital Storytelling

Digital Storytelling is the art of turning a personal story into a multimedia experience. One can combine images, sound, and their creative voice to quickly and painlessly create their own story.

What is Digital Storytelling?

Participating in an online learning environment has many challenges, and one is overcoming the barriers between instructor and student. The physical distance that exists often creates social and communication barriers, leading to a sense of distance between students and their instructor.

One way to bridge this gap is through digital storytelling. This technology can help you get to know your students as well as let them know a little more about you, the class they are enrolled in, and what you expect from them.

Digital Storytelling is the art of turning a personal story into a multimedia experience. One can combine images, sound, and their creative voice to quickly and painlessly create their own story. What results is a work that is original and often powerful. 

The idea is that professors make their own digital story for students to view, and in turn, assign students to do the same. What you request from them is up to you, but a few examples are career goals, hobbies and interests, and what they hope to learn while in your class. This practice can also help you tailor your class to the needs of your students.

Digital Storytelling can be used in many different ways

For example, it can be used to explain historical or artistic materials when pictures with a voice over can be more powerful than the written word. While the images are scrolling across the screen, you can narrate using your own words.

It has also been used to highlight departments, programs, and events. One example of Digital Storytelling being used in this manner is on the College of Communications Home page. Just click on the picture of the students. The music in this Digital Story was taken from the Media Services catalog of songs.

Media Services Catalog of Songs

If you are considering using digital storytelling in your classes, a valuable asset that you may want to consider using is the Back Traxx- Music Library found in the Library's Audio CD collection. This catalog contains various songs that you can use in your digital stories.

Other music

Each of these sites has its own copyright and free use information available for your reference. American Rhetoric (Famous Speeches) Please review their Fair Use Notice. FreePlay Music. Please see their Terms of Use 2(d).