Digital Storytelling Tools
I have found two different web based creation tools that ELA and Social Studies teachers may find useful. They have potential for really enhancing your curriculum while engaging your students. The first one is the Historic Tales Construction Kit. It is based on the tapestry of Bayeaux, a masterpiece of the Middles Ages. The second one is Myths and Legends Story Creator. Storytellers get ten pages to share their stories and may select among a library of characters (some animated), sound effects, backgrounds, and objects, or they may upload their own images. They may scale, rotate, and move objects in front of or behind others. They may narrate by recording audio. They may add text bubbles and comic bursts. Students will enjoy the impressive sound and image galleries. The site also offers a library of supporting content. A how-to section supplies both dramatic and technical advice. What are myths, legends and folktales? offers valuable background relating to story genres. A Myth Map locates stories geographically. Professionally told stories serve as models for young storytellers and may be also used for classroom sharing. Text and related images are also provided for these classic tales.
Karen Vitek | January 15, 2009
