Digital storytelling is a narrative with a personal connection displayed in an engaging multimedia format. It is highly effective for students with autism spectrum disorder due to its flexible, creative, individualistic, and visually engaging nature. A study found digital storytelling to be highly effective for students with autism, requiring only basic computer software and allowing students to work in familiar environments both at school and home.

1. &

2. definition
digital storytelling
A narrative (with a personal connection) that is
displayed in an engaging multimedia format.

3. guidelines
Script is less than 250 words
25 images or less
Final version = 3 minutes or less

4. book report
not a
a quot;digital presentationquot; about George
Washington is not a digital story!
Why?
personal connection

5. this guy
unless you’re
Why?
because he has a personal connection (story) to Washington

6. research
educational
The purpose of educational research is to create and
disseminate knowledge and tools which can be used to
improve learning. (Geoff Masters,1999)
My Alma Mater …
Geaux LSU !!

7. it seems that schools were using Digital
Storytelling BEFORE it was “tested” by
university research.
the anecdotal evidence from schools (mainly in
ELA and Social Studies classrooms) seemed to
suggest that it was HIGHLY EFFECTIVE

8. eventually…
empirical studies began to examine the use of
Digital Storytelling for students in the general
population

9. need for the present study
sought to extend the research
base on Digital Storytelling to the
Autism population.

10. autism?
why students with
flexible and creative
o
individualistic
o
visually engaging
o
used in a familiar environment
o
Digital Storytelling fits the characteristic learning styles of
Autism Spectrum Disorder

11. digital storytelling
elements of
(from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)
A Digital Story should have…
Point of view Soundtrack
Dramatic question Economy
Emotional content Pacing
Voice

12. digital storytelling
elements of
Point of view
Stories are told to make a point and
should not be presented as a
recitation of mere facts.
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

13. digital storytelling
elements of
Dramatic Question
Pose the dramatic question in the
beginning of the story, and resolve
near the end
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

14. digital storytelling
elements of
Emotional Content
Keep the story elements (music,
images, effects) consistent with the
emotion conveyed
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

15. digital storytelling
elements of
Voice
Do not want to sound as if
reading from a “script.” Narration
in final version should sound
conversational (so take the time
to learn and practice your script).
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

16. digital storytelling
elements of
Soundtrack
Music can be very useful as a way to
support your story. Be careful…select
the appropriate music for the idea
that is conveyed. Music should
reinforce the story…and not become
a distraction
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

17. digital storytelling
elements of
Economy
Keep the story moving …through the
edit process, you may need to remove
some details. Let the audience “fill in
the blanks.”
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

18. digital storytelling
elements of
Pacing
Use a consistent pace – the rhythm of
the story can be very effective. May
need to slow the pace to emphasize a
critical part (and change music to
reflect this aspect) – overall, story
should be consistent.
(adapted from the Digital Storytelling Cookbook)

19. study results
Highly Effective !!
There are no added costs associated with Digital
Storytelling. A computer with basic Microsoft (or
Apple) software is the only technology needed for
this intervention. It is portable – students can create
Digital Stories in the classroom and also at home
(provided they have access to technology).
Particularly, students with high-functioning Autism
Spectrum Disorder may respond especially well to
this intervention.

20. Thank You