Digital Storytelling

 

There are numerous issues in special education that all of us have become passionate about and continue to work to change to better the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Telling a digital story may elicit emotions and send a message that words cannot express. Through digital storytelling, students are able to explore technology, express their creativity, and encourage students with poor literacy skills to engage in literacy activities.

 

Learning Goals:

 

1.    Students will identify and explain a topic related to Special Education (e.g., Law, Exceptionalities, Accessibility, Inclusion, Differentiated).

2.    Students will target and identify an audience for their presentation

3.    Students will prepare a professional digital presentation using a photo story format on their topic

 

 

Instructions:

 

As a special educator, you are responsible for knowing current issues as they relate to special education. To help you gain knowledge in this area, you will research a topic that you are passionate about and present the information in digital photo story format appropriate for the audience you choose. You will engage in synchronous and asynchronous discussions during each week of the project (one month) via a communication tool such as WebPaint, Web/CT Chat, or Google Docs.

As a culminating project, you will create a digital photo story that is user friendly for your audience (parents, teachers, individuals with disabilities). Please incorporate graphics, photos, and language that are appropriate for your audience. Prior to and after you have completed your assignment, please access the rubric to help you plan your digital photo story and self evaluate your work.

You will post your digital photo story to Web/CT and make arrangements with your instructor to present your project to your classmates via an online presentation tool – Centra or Adobe Connect. You will submit your scored rubric to the ASSIGNMENT BOX in Web/CT. Make sure that you follow the Class Schedule to determine the due date and time of this assignment.

 

Assessment:

Students will be given a rubric at the beginning of the assignment identifying criteria for completing the assignment At the end of the assignment, students will self evaluate using the rubric. The instructor will evaluate each project using the same rubric. Elements of the rubric will include: accuracy of information, organization, knowledge gained, attractiveness, use of a variety of resources.

 

QM Rubric standards comments:

This activity supports Quality Matters Rubric VI Course technology: to enhance student learning, course technology enriches instruction and foster student interactivity. The digital storytelling activity

*Aligns with learning objective

*Provides for an engaging activity

*Encourages self discovery

*Identifies issues related to special education

*Provides opportunities to increase knowledge base

*Promotes interactive learning to acquire resources

*Provides for internet exploration of tools, professional sites, and resources available to individuals who work with students with disabilities

*Is an asynchronous activity to research and create a media presentation in the form of a digital photo story

•    Explores tools that can be used with students in K-12 classrooms

*Is a synchronous activity to share with classmates

*Encourages use of existing technology

*Incorporates a variety of technology tools

 

Accessibility and Usability considerations:

*Supports different learning styles (visual, tactile/kinesthetic, auditory)

*Asynchronous activities allow for extended time in preparing and viewing

*For students who have self identified, provides for the implementation of modifications as indicated through Services for Students with Disabilities

*Supports use of adaptive equipment

 

Ethical Considerations:

 

Students will follow the rules of online netiquette as outlined in this syllabus. Use of online graphics including photographs will follow copyright laws, licensing agreements, and accessibility issues. Students will cite information according to the American Psychological Association Manual (APA), 5th edition. 

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