Article Review - with attention on data collection

Sadik, A. (2008, August). Digital storytelling: a meaningful technology-integrated approach for engaged student learning. Educational Technology Research & Development, 56(4), 487-506. Retrieved September 3, 2009, doi:10.1007/s11423-008-9091-8.


This article describes the research to determine how students and teachers benefit from using digital storytelling. The teachers were selected for their ability to easily integrate this technology into their curriculum. The materials needed for digital storytelling are computers with Internet access, digital camera, scanner, PhotoStory software, and a printer. The eight teachers that were selected to participate attended an orientation to learn about digital storytelling.

The teachers divided their classes into small groups to collaborate on their chosen topic. Students were able to use the digital camera or the Internet to gather pictures to tell the story. The students then used the pictures to develop the script. Students organized the information into a story. When the students completed their assignment, they presented their digital stories to the rest of the class. The researchers used a rubric to assess the stories.

A carefully designed observation tool for teachers and students was created to examine the quality of student engagement. Also, interviews were conducted with the teachers to ensure the teachers were supportive of integrating technology, especially digital storytelling, into their lessons.

The results of the study show that the overall product that was produced was were acceptable; however, the overall connection from the story to the objectives of the story was questionable which proves that not all students wil learn from these stories. Some students had a difficult time sequencing their stories, and some students did not have the timing of the sound with the pictures.

Teachers seem to be most concerned with the effectiveness of student learning with digital storytelling. Integrating technology into the curriculum takes time, and most teachers do not feel they have the time to integrate technology and cover all the material students need to pass the high stakes tests.

I would LOVE to be able to work on integrating technology into the curriculum. Maybe when I become a media specialist, I will have the opportunity to create technology integration plans to help the teachers on my staff.

I think the researcher tried to cover all the bases in collecting and evaluating the information. The researcher did not show a bias to integrating technology. He seemed to be forthcoming with the final results of the research.