It is time for another chapter in the series of Digital Storytelling for Educators posts. When I wrote The Guide to Digital Storytelling Tools for Educators (2008), I did not have a Smartphone yet and had yet to envision a device like the iPad.
audio recorder
Recorder adapter for early iPods
I remember being out in the field with my digital camera, video camera and all kinds of devices and accessories to be able to capture images, videos and audio. Once captured, I had to take all the devices home, import the files to my desktop or laptop and then start editing with any chosen storytelling tool.
Our digital life has changed since then…
…devices like the iPhone and iPad have allowed to capture media easier and streamline the editing and publishing process.
There are many storytelling apps available, that allow you to take advantage of taking your own media footage and editing them on the go. There are also apps available that support the storytelling process with storyboarding and as a step by step guide for characters, plot, settings, introductions, conclusions, etc. Being able to take pictures and video footage on the same device where they can be edited and then immediately be uploaded and disseminated is a game changer in my eyes.
Imagine the possibilities of students taking the devices on field trips or on location to interview eye witnesses or experts for research projects.
I have been experimenting with a variety of mobile storytelling tools. Here are a few that I have tested out and see tremendous potential for the classroom.
Storytelling with or without your own media:
InAWorld (Drama)
Storyboarding apps
It is truly amazing how far we’ve come!
Dear Silvia,
I see many advantages of mobile learning! A colleague of mine made a valid point, in which many people have mentioned before-if the students have something that they use all of the time, we should stop wasting time with trying to take the phones away, and spend more time with trying to use them in the classrooms. I wouldn’t be surprised if the amount of misuse in class would decline when students are allowed to explore and learn with mobile devices. When an opportunity for a field trip presents itself, the planning and capturing the perfect moments seem to be some of the biggest stressors for me. I am taking your advice and will use it in my classroom and on-the go! I am looking forward to seeing what my students can do with mobile storytelling. Thank you for your insight!