Week One Readings Response

            In this first week of class the readings have introduced us to digital storytelling, and given us several examples of what digital storytelling might look like. These examples ranged from a short video on a day in the life of a Stony Brook marching band member, to a twenty minute long interactive piece which follows the life and demise of a Canadian grizzly bear. Despite the numerous examples which were provided to us, we still had some trouble defining digital storytelling in class. There was no trouble listing its characteristics. Digital storytelling consists of materials which exist as electronic files only. It has been made possible by new technologies and social media. It can include multiple forms of digital media such as pictures, text, or video. It can present something to its audience or be more interactive. These are all things that describe digital storytelling, but we still have not defined it very well. Perhaps the best definition for this kind of storytelling, would be, storytelling for the twenty-first century.

            Digital storytelling defined as storytelling for the twenty-first century makes sense for several reasons. First, it is not hard to see how digital storytelling is the best way for an ordinary person to tell their story in today’s world. First, it is relatively easy to use the technology associated with digital storytelling, such as cameras, voice recorders, and laptops. Most people can easily access this equipment and use tutorials on the internet if they are unfamiliar with how to use them or the editing software. Second, telling a story digitally is the best way to get your story out there. As many writers know, it is extremely difficult to publish a story you have written, and you may experience failure hundreds of times before someone decides to publish your work. On the contrary, anyone can post a short video on YouTube. Anyone can create a blog, or a Facebook page to share their stories with the world. The last reason why digital storytelling is storytelling for the twenty-first century has to do with the way people are seeking information. Ordinary people are more likely to seek information on the internet than anywhere else these days. When someone needs to know something, they will sooner Google it than visit a library. In this way, by telling your story digitally, you are telling your story where people are most likely to hear it.

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by Lisi Gopin

            Digital storytelling is storytelling for the twenty-first century. Now more than ever we can share our thoughts, experience, and information in a relatively fast and easy way. The best part is that through digital storytelling, anyone can tell their story.