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I have gathered about 8 case studies that will help me in my own research project. My driving question is "How does digital storytelling affect the writing skills of 2nd grade students?"
As I read through the case studies, I am starting to see some trending ideas emerge as well as see more of a clear big picture as to how my own project will take shape. I have noticed that case studies on digital storytelling focus a lot on literacy skills with a focus on engagement. It has been very helpful to investigate case studies that align with my own. One case study (Niemi, Multisilta, 2016) is about how students become engaged and motivated when using digital storytelling. The research was done in three countries: Finland, Greece, United States (California). The data of 319 students that participated revealed that learning is seen as a result of dialogical interactions between people, substances, and artifacts. This investigation has helped me understand the student's motivation when doing digital storytelling, which I will be to apply to in my own study. I have also noticed that a lot of the case studies are focused on writing skills. Writing and digital storytelling share a common theme in that they both require the student to create something visual and textual that the audience can use for entertainment and/or information. There are a few case studies that I am investigating that focus on writing skills. One that has been of great use, is “Storytelling in primary-grade classrooms” (Foley, 2014) because of it's focus on first and second graders. I teach second grade so it is helpful to view other case studies that have a similar age demographic. This has helped me foresee how digital storytelling might look like in my own classroom and has provided me insight into some of the successes and pitfalls that may arise with my own students. Foley's case study also focuses on similar themes that I am interested in such as: how did the students perform in relation to Common Core Writing Standards, how they developed identities as writers, and how they were motivated throughout the learning process. Since digital storytelling is technologically based and constantly changing in accordance with the latest tech innovations, a lot of the case studies have been recent. I have found a lot of information that has helped me shape my instructional methods. One article that has provided useful information for my project is "Developing literacy practices through digital storytelling" (Kulla-Abbot, Therese M, 2008). This is a case study that looked at specifically how digital storytelling affected writing skills, which again ties into my driving question. This case study was helpful in guiding me on how to scaffold instruction. In this case study, they focused on three projects, each of which served as a building block for the next project. Using this building block methodology helped me refine my own instruction. The first project in this case study focused around technological tools, cooperative groupings, and organization of the process. The second project focused on the development of personal narratives including emotion. The students worked independently to ensure that each student understood the process and tools. By the third project students were able to conceptualize organization by utilizing the digital storyboard and adding additional genres of writing to their portfolio. The students were able to understand the importance of storytelling components, such as organization, voice, emotion, pacing, and the value behind editing while developing the skills to present. I am excited to dive into my own case study!
4 Comments
Todd
11/26/2016 07:04:11 am
Joe,
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Kelley S. Miller
11/26/2016 03:18:27 pm
Really interesting to read about the studies you've found, Joe! After teaching a digital storytelling unit last year, I was left with a taste of the great potential it has for engagement, technology use, and collaboration- but I also reflected upon my own need to make sure the time spent on the unit was justified by tighter standards alignment. It didn't even occur to me to check out existing research.
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I think your topic is very interesting. I enjoyed reading it and you have so much great information. Digital story telling must be very engaging for students. How does it work for your class? Do they need a lot of help. How do your low students or ones with special needs do with digital story telling? Technology is always more engaging compared to pencil and paper. I can see how many of your students will have the potential to develop a love for writing by using your digital story telling method.
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Jennifer Wade
12/10/2016 02:17:10 pm
I know this comment is a little tardy, but I needed to make sure all of my homework was turned in. :/ Thank said, I think this is an outstanding topic of research. I was particularly glad that you were able to find a study that reflected the demographics that you have in your classroom. So often I see great stuff and then I wonder well yes but what does that look like for someone who does not speak English? Writing is a huge focus for the District and is a skill necessary to meet the rigorous standards embedded in all subject areas. I would like to know more about digital story telling and how it works. Thanks.
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AuthorMy name is Joe Hall. I am an elementary bilingual teacher in Napa, CA. Archives
July 2017
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