Digital Storytelling--Steph Dobler

Digital storytelling has the potential to be an excellent tool for students. However, I do agree with what Robin says in regards to the challenges, that "bad storytelling using digital media will simply lead to bad digital storytelling." The trick of course is to use digital storytelling as a means to both improve students' ability to tell stories, and to improve upon their ability to use digital tools.

A key element of the digital world however is the legal aspect, in terms of copyright but also in terms of privacy. Students I think need to be taught how to successfully navigate the digital world in such a way that allows them to express themselves adequately, while also maintaining an awareness of the rights of both themselves and others.

Initially when I read Robin's article, I kept wondering what the main goal of using digital story telling is. Is the value in the students using a medium that is considered new and cutting edge? Is it a means to keep easily distractible students engaged? I think both of these are relevant, but I think the real value is teaching kids how to create quality work using new and diverse mediums. When these kids are adults, the idea of digital storytelling may be obsolete. But the ability to tell one's story well and thoughtfully in a new format I think will be imperative.