Reel Works

My favorite of the Reel Works was Memories by Jordan Burns.  It was composed of interviews with residents in a nursing home in Brooklyn.  They discussed their favorite memories, as well as memories of those they had lost over the years, and the love that kept them going through the hard times.  The thing that I liked the most about this digital story was hearing how each person had someone special in their life who supported and loved them when things were hard.  I also liked the fact that their favorite memories were of times spent with people who were important to them.  I learned (or was reminded) that life is about the people you love.  Even when things aren't going your way, it is important to focus on your loved ones and know that they are more important than money or careers, or other things that will be gone someday.

How can digital storytelling promote critical media literacy?  Digital storytelling uses computer-based tools and focuses on a specific topic with a particular point of view. When students use digital storytelling, learning becomes more personal and the material has a deeper meaning to the student.  Because they have participated in creating digital media, students also develop more insight into critically analyzing other types of media and recognizing the messages and methods behind the finished product.