Chapter 8 Reflection

Chapter 8 was rather short but concentrated on applications of the theory. Just like it was mentioned in the previous chapter, transformation (reflection of the transformation, what was learned) is key to having an interesting story. This chapter uses Bloom’s Taxonomy and applies it to digital storytelling. The different transformation “levels” are not a linear progression, and the author makes sure he addresses that. However, it was strange to see the “hierarchy” illustrated in the table where, in fact, it’s not really a ladder the character will be climbing. I see these levels as the stepping stones for our characters because they can transform through all (or just some of) the levels in a variety of different orders.

The author says that we can use this information with our students and help them create most memorable transformations, but it does not mean that we need to teach them the taxonomy explicitly, it “means using the taxonomy as your pedagogical agenda to facilitate growth and improvement” (Ohler,  p. 111). Then the author goes on to give us examples of how and why we should be implementing this taxonomy in our lessons. First of all, I absolutely agree that

“… always, what you're really doing here is challenging students to understand something in greater depth. After all, this is what teachers do. You're just using their stories as the vehicle to do so”.  

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (pp. 111-112). Kindle Edition.

I agree that stories can be used to make sure students get the deeper meaning of something. This again brings me back to that idea of reflective blogs for my science students. Next year, I am absolutely doing it.

“By studying how characters in students' stories behave and progress, teachers can get a sense of how students look at the world as well as what areas of their lives have potential for growth”.  

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (p. 112). Kindle Edition.

I have thought of this aspect of storytelling as well. I have noticed that I do learn a lot from my students’ writing. I can see how storytelling could help students open up more and reveal more of who they really are, what their hopes and dreams are, etc.

“Character transformation represents personal growth, in many cases the kind of growth you want your students to experience”.  

Jason B. Ohler. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity (p. 112). Kindle Edition.

Absolutely. All I need is just to come up with a creative way of making this part of my teaching without raising my principal’s suspicion levels. She seems to be skeptical of many new innovations, so I need this to be great, otherwise, I do not stand a chance of having the opportunity to make storytelling a powerful tool in student growth.