Social+Studies

Subject: Social Studies

Curriculum Standards: Explain the global impact of imperialism including: a. Modernization of Japan; b. Political and social reform in China; c. Exploitation of African resources.

Technology: · 30 Computers from the computer lab. · Microsoft Windows Movie Maker · Internet Access

Description: Students will be individually assigned various topics that pertain to the age of Imperialism. Students will use Windows Movie Maker to create a story of the information that they have heard through lecture as well as read in the books. Students will be graded on historical accuracy, use of different images, transitions, picture to theme correlation and audio.

Approach: This is new and innovative. While many teachers have assigned PowerPoints in times past, very few have assigned their students a digital storytelling assignment. Instead of relying on textual information, the digital storytelling forces the student to use images and his/her own voice to explain concepts.

Scholarly Research: The article highlights the value of digital storytelling in the classroom for the purpose of promoting multiple literacies. In addition, the article noted “Digital storytelling can be a potent learning experience that encompasses much of what society hopes that students will know and be able to perform in the 21st century.”(Robin 224) By allowing students to engage in digital storytelling, the educator will be able to incorporate technological, pedagogical content knowledge into the classroom.

Citation: Robin, BR. (2008). Digital storytelling: a powerful tool for the 21st century classroom. //Theory Into Practice//, //47//, 220-228.