Final Digital Story and Reflection

The digital Storytelling is ready ;) below is the link for it, I hope you enjoy watching! 

https://youtu.be/s5aa1kptH5c

The Reflection:

       Having the chance to be introduced to the use of digital storytelling in teaching is one of the objectives in the Integrating Technology and Literacy course, which drew my attention to the strength of using the digital storytelling as a part of the teaching process. I have learned that there are many features and qualities that should be a part of the digital story to makes it a good story. First, a good digital story has to have a goal or a message for students, such as solving math problems or learning new vocabulary. Also, it is important to choose a good technological tool that attracts the kids’ attention and help them to be engaged and interested to learn more and love learning process. Moreover, identifying the target grad and applying the standards in the lesson through the digital story helps the kids in learning and the educators in achieving the goal of using a diversity of techniques.  

       As an educator for English language learners (ELLs), I decided to set the goal of my story to help ELLs in learning new vocabulary in English through an activity. According to the experts in teaching the second language, it is very recommended in teaching a new language to assist the students in learning the language and at the same time enjoying the learning process. One of the best techniques in learning a second language is the learning through playing; therefore, I chose to make the story a process of interactive activity kids have always loved. So, kids are going to learn then apply what they learned in class. The story focuses on developing the kids understanding of the meaning of words and differentiating between two objects with very similar features. I believe that using the digital storytelling in teaching ELA is very valuable and important for educators in almost every subject especially improving the language skills. I could see my self-using this digital tool in many themes in the language field, such as developing the vocabulary bank, improving the speaking skill, and increasing the students' confidence in practicing the new language.

       Despite, using the digital story in teaching has many advantages; there is still some challenging. First, having a goal of the digital story is very important, which sometimes considered as a challenge for the educators in making the best choice for the digital story. Also, the students understanding of the digital story is very important. Moreover, choosing the right standards to be achieved through the digital story is another challenge.

       In addition, I truly appreciate the existence of the digital story as a tool in teaching process because it improves the kids understanding of English. Also, it is a great supporter of the visual learning and the active learning.

       The digital story has a great advantage for me as an ELLs teacher. It will help me in reaching the goal of teaching kids through many learning styles that are much familiar to the learning styles in the kids' countries. There are many learning styles, such as visual and verbal learning styles. I think using the digital story will help many learners in different ways like using the speeches, videos, and logic.

       In my opinion, I think that I could use the digital story in both, as an introduction to a vocabulary lesson or as an activity to assess the students' comprehension. Also, it is a tool that enhances the kids learning because it encourages them to experience the difference between words and the importance of learning the correct meaning for each word.

       There is only one question I have been thinking about which is:

In my digital story, I planned it to be addressed to the ELLs in the kindergarten or in the first grade, but I am wondering if it is going to be suitable to be addressed to the adult ELLs, who have a very limited language or not.