As generalists first, we are, as Sizer noted, engaged in the process of teaching kids to “use their minds well.” This does not preclude being thoroughly versed in one or more subject areas, even in imagining—in partnership with our students—new and trans-disciplinary subject areas. We too, have an imperative to “use our minds well.” As we fearlessly invoke our own prior knowledge and deeply held understandings in order to challenge and disrupt them, we ask ourselves fundamental questions—what is school, homework, rigor? Why do they matter? Do they matter?—we are reinventing schools and reinventing ourselves. We are thinking like teachers.
Don Doehla on 18 Jun 13Like paintings, personal narrative stories that mix images, graphics, sound, and music with the author's own storytelling voice will exist over time and be enjoyed long past their creation. The ideas and content for this Digital storytelling guide have been compiled and written by Bernajean Porter, whose book, DigiTales: The Art of Telling Digital Stories, includes detailed step-by-step processes for bringing this emerging oral storytelling style into today's classrooms. Learn how software like Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premiere Elements can become effective digital storytelling tools in your classroom. Unleash your students' imagination as they create unique, personal 3-to 5- minute movies.
