Storytelling goes digital

The recent Digital Storytelling Day marked the start of National Share-a-Story Month

Teachers from schools across the UK gathered at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire last week to mark the start of National Share-a-Story Month.

Hosted by Discovery Education on 18th April, the Digital Storytelling Day showcased the very latest tools and ideas for using ed-tech in literacy, helping teachers to nurture a love of stories in every child.

Taking advantage of Knebworth’s famous dinosaur trail, teachers took part in a prehistoric QR coded treasure hunt, and learned how the bar-code technology can be used in literacy lessons.

3D modelling using augmented reality, portable green-screening using tablets and virtual reality were also on display at the event. Teachers saw how these tools can take immersive learning to a new level, by inspiring pupils to create their own stories and interact with them on screen. 

Teachers from across the UK gather at the event

The day also showed how digital storytelling can boost attainment and be used right across the curriculum, in subjects such as science and even maths.

I came away from the event buzzing with ideas to take back to the classroom – Julia Elfred, from Christ Church C of E School in Croydon

One of the teachers taking part was Julia Elfred, from Christ Church C of E School in Croydon. Julia said:

“The Knebworth Day of Discovery was a fantastic opportunity to discover some inspirational ideas for digital storytelling. We explored ways to motivate and enthuse children within literacy lessons by incorporating a variety of digital media. As always, I came away from the event buzzing with ideas to take back to the classroom.”

Julia Elfred, Gemma Clarke and Phil Nottingham

Gemma Clarke, Assistant Headteacher from Grangehurst Primary School in Coventry said:

“In an ever-changing world of technology there is always something new to learn. Digital storytelling was a brilliant focus for the day, and showed how the curriculum can be met in exciting ways.”

55 teachers from schools across the UK attended the event as part of a ‘Day of Discovery’ tour which will visit cities in the UK, US and Canada this year. The professional learning experiences connect teachers who are interested in technology with their best resource – each other. 

The day was organised by the Discovery Education Community, which reaches over two million educators worldwide, and is one of the fastest growing professional networks for teachers in the UK. The Community connects members in their own school, across the country and around the world through in-person and online events, networking, idea sharing and inspiration.

For more information on Discovery Education services or the Discovery Education Community, visit their website.