Nikki Phipps is a freelance writer of numerous articles and other publications, including the premiere issue of Perspectives Magazine. She also maintains a gardening site, GardenCrypt in her spare time. Drawing inspiration from family and past experiences, Nikki believes everyone has something to say that can benefit others, which is why she turned to writing.  “There’s no better tool for learning than that of personal experience.” Nikki resides in NC with her two children and three stepchildren.

Name of Product: Digital Storytelling
Link to Product/website: http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/

Description of Product: “Digital Storytelling is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories…most digital stories focus on a specific topic and contain a particular point of view. However… digital stories usually contain some mixture of computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and/or music. Digital stories can vary in length, but most of the stories used in education typically last between two and ten minutes. And the topics that are used in Digital Storytelling range from personal tales to the recounting of historical events.”…“The educational uses of Digital Storytelling website was developed as a resource for teachers and students who are interested in how multimedia can be integrated into a variety of educational activities.”

Nikki’s Description of Product: The Digital Storytelling website is a FREE informational site developed by members and students in the Instructional Technology program at the University of Houston College of Education. Its intent and focus is aimed at educating teachers, parents, and students about the educational uses of digital storytelling. The site offers numerous resources into the subject, including various digital storytelling software programs.

Homeschool Uses: Digital Storytelling can be used in many ways as a teaching tool, especially with homeschool. Digital stories appeal to a variety of learning styles. They can be used to enhance lesson plans or for teaching/introducing a specific topic. For example, a history lesson about the Civil War could be enhanced with a digital story timeline relating to significant events that occurred during this war. The use of images can be a fun way to promote interest, making historical events come alive. Children will especially enjoy making their own story using their unique perspective. Alternatively, they could research a family member and then tell his/her story through imagery. Both parents and children can use digital storytelling software, as it is suitable for nearly any age. Younger kids (preK-5), however, may find it easier to create their own digital stories with the help of a parent or older sibling.

Content and Safety: It is perfectly safe to use the Digital Storytelling website. It’s a good resource site for parents that would like more information about creating and using digital stories for various educational purposes. The site includes numerous examples in a multitude of subjects. Although I don’t see a serious threat with allowing children to view these, depending on their age and the topic at hand, parental supervision may be required or in the least recommended.

Nikki’s Experience Using the Product: As I’m certainly not very technologically advanced, I was at first a bit skittish about creating a digital story. However, using the sites’ resources, I found the process quite easy. In fact, there are many options and formats to choose from when creating your digital story. I finally decided on using a PowerPoint format rather than Photo Story simply because I found this to be easier for me.

I created my digital story in an attempt to spawn interest in my children with respect to their family history. While I have related many stories to them, they seem to be uninterested. But, I’m happy to say that by employing some digital storytelling techniques, simply adding a few pictures and effects, I got a different response. In fact, my son started asking questions about other ancestors and their origins!

Read Nikki’s Digital Story, “Journey to America”.

Tutorial or Promotional Video of the Product: If you’re new to digital storytelling, like myself, you’ll find lots of helpful information on the Digital Storytelling website. There are step-by-step instructions for getting started and a video tutorial introduction (or PowerPoint version - requires download). There are also additional links and tutorials for things like using Photo Story software, creating storyboards, and more.

Summary: Overall, I really liked this product. Not only was it interesting,  but also quite useful for obtaining ideas and creating digital stories. I feel this could benefit many homeschooling families as supplemental material as well as anyone interested in creative learning.