Images reflection

What?
As we are preparing to create our own digital stories, we have been learning about the important elements of creating a successful story. The one thing that stands out to me is the impact of images.

So What?
In realizing that pictures can truly set a mood, enhance a topic, and promote emotional understanding, it is critical to use images appropriately in telling a story or teaching a lesson.  It is interesting to see the same image tell two different interpretations, depending on the subject being presented.  Perhaps the order the images are presented, along with text, is the key to developing a storyline that is successful in its interpretation to its viewers.  To me, images are almost always more critical than text.  This is evident in some children's books that tell stories without any text at all.

Now What?
As we develop our digital story, I will definitely pay closer attention to the images we choose to insert into our story.  Images should not just be to fill space or time, but should be used to enhance the story and provoke a deeper understanding.  I have realized that a story is a great way of learning for many different learning styles.  Students who love to read can be engaged in the text enhanced with pictures. Students who may struggle to read can still see the story in more visual terms through the images.  Then there are students who simply prefer to listen, and they can benefit from a story telling as well.  No matter the reason, a digital story can be a unique opportunity for students to learn digital media, and also to teach various subjects, enhanced with technology.