Digital+Stories



Humans are hard wired to tell and listen to stories. Storytelling provides a narrative which enables the individual to make sense of the world they live in and how they relate to each other. Without access to storytelling it is easy to lose the sense of self. Storytelling enables the individual to have a voice. If that voice is heard and acknowledged by others, the individual starts to develop a sense of belonging and personal empowerment.

Creating the opportunity for storytelling within the school community encourages school connectedness and motivation. Teachers have always valued the power of storytelling in the classroom. So, what is the fuss? Well, it’s that word ‘digital’! Thanks to current technologies available to us in the classroom, we as educators can introduce the power of storytelling to our students in a variety of ways that was only dreamt of ten years ago. Digital storytelling is simply traditional storytelling with a 21st century twist.

My presentation explores current research into digital storytelling and the therapeutic value of using and developing narrative styles in the classroom. This presentation will show student examples and a practical approach on how to develop digital storytelling as a whole school activity. Currently, at my school (Kensington Community High School) we run a successful digital storytelling festival as a whole school activity. It helps to develop and promote connectedness and motivation for the individual and it helps to develop a positive and supportive school culture.

**3:45pm - 4:45pm **
===If you missed Peter's session you can click [|here] and watch the recording. === ==== **Follow up, Hands-on Workshop  **   **Wednesday October 22  **  ====

**169-175 Mt. Alexander Rd, Flemington **

 * __About the Presenter__**

My name is Peter Davis and I teach at Kensington Community High School. I have been a secondary school teacher working with 'at risk' students in the western suburbs since 1979. I am classified as a Humanities/ICT classroom teacher. I am interested in social justice and committed to developing curriculum that enhances life long learning. My experience as an ICT classroom teacher has been in design, computer animation, music, media and storytelling. I am currently completing my Masters of Education at Victorian University.

Throughout my teaching career I have been involved in storytelling in one form or another and currently, my vision is to develop a strategy which combines storytelling and ICT to improve student confidence and literacy skills. Good storytelling creates solid communities.