Digital story-telling and video production

     I have already talked about podcasts,  blogs, wikis and other computer-based tools. This time I am introducing digital storytelling and video production and their integration into a foreign language learning. 

     Digital story- telling gives us a chance to tell stories by utilizing computer-based tools. Most digital stories concentrate on a particular topic and include a specific attitude. British photographer, educator and digital storyteller, Daniel Meadows defines digital stories as "short, personal multimedia tales told from the heart." He maintains that the attractiveness of this form of digital expression is that these stories can be created by people everywhere, on any subject, and shared electronically all over the world. Nevertheless  it is evident from its name that digital stories usually involve  some mixture of images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and music. The length of digital stories can be various.  Storytelling is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories. As with traditional storytelling, most digital stories focus on a specific topic and contain a particular point of view. 

     I think it is a great idea to use digital stories in the classroom. When students make a movie or interactive slide show to tell their story, learning becomes personal. They improve their writing, speaking skills and show creativity.It becomes obvious that this  tool , like the previous ones that I turned to in my previous reflections, is very useful as it  develops students’creativity and promotes collaborative learning. With the help of digital stories students will not get bored and will be motivated since children like to use their imagination in everything and everywhere. The next advantage of wikis, blogs, podcasts as well as digital stories and videos is that they make students digitally literate which is not less important today. Besides they contribute to the students'engagement into the lesson.

      Integration of digital video technology into a foreign language learning  plays a key role nowadays. Today it is easier for students to make their own video and edit it the way they want. This approach to learning requires  students to  take responsibility for the progress of their own performance. It is very essential for students to have their  own production in L2 and with the help of digital video technology  they are able to do that. Video cameras give them an opportunity to create their own movies based on their preferable topics. They can do that individually or in groups. If they don’t have video cameras they can use their  cell phones and then get a high quality video by editing it. So moviemaking permits various concepts, topics, and cultural influences to encourage student collaboration and discussion. It enhances students’ autonomy, motivation, self-directed, independent learning.                                                                                                        

Thus  having  new technology in a classroom can motivate students and have  them  work collaboratively.