Chapter 13 Reflection

As I read through Chapter 13, I mentally checked off what are some of the things from the "toolbox" that  I already have. Surprisingly, it seems that I am pretty well set, actually. I like the author's motto:

My motto is one eye on today's classroom, one eye looking down the road.

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (p. 167). Kindle Edition. 

 I believe that to be a very good strategy. I am constantly looking for resources for my classes, and gathering technological resources has also been on my list for a while now. At first, it was not driven by the desire to enhance my teaching because I wasn't a teacher yet. The different resources I gathered were for me to create better presentations, and, possibly, karaoke-style videos for the worship group I was a part of. I never got the the karaoke videos stage but my presentations with lyrics has gotten better and better. Ever since then, I always use the opportunity to expand my toolbox, even though I am no longer in charge of those activities. Many of those "tools" were used in my teaching, once I got to that position.


Also, I am definitely a living-breathing proof that

... you do not need fancy, expensive hardware or software to create effective, compelling stories. Your imagination will more than make up for a lack of high-end tools as long as you plan your story well and tell it clearly and with heart.

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (p. 176). Kindle Edition. 

 Back when I just started my creative projects with lyrics presentations, I wasn't equipped with much more than an Internet access (for music and some images) and the Microsoft Office suite. What I could do was quite impressive, however, I must say that it did get better when I was able to utilize other great resources. So, I absolutely agree with the author on this one:

In my opinion, as long as students don't lose the story focus, as well as the goals of the assignment, they should be encouraged to experiment with the tools of the day. It's your opportunity as their teacher to help them use their technology effectively, creatively, and wisely.

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (pp. 172-173). Kindle Edition. 

 I didn't have a teacher, but I did have a clear focus in mind when experimenting with "stuff" that could potentially enhance what I was producing.