Kaider's (Point) of View

When Kaider shares his success story of incorporating technology into the classroom, particularly IMovie, he reminds us that technology is the tool to telling stories but not the story itself. I think it is important to remind your students that they do need a good story before they can just begin filming. Also, I think it was a smart idea for Kaider to use this approach to literature early on. He automatically engages students in their own stories. If we do not expect students to tell their own stories, how will they ever appreciate someone else's story? Limited technology in the classroom is a problem, but I loved how Kaider introduces the idea of using dispovable camaras and just taking turns with the digital camara. There is so much that students can do with images that are important to them. In addition, images will help them to focus their story, reveal a feeling or a moment but not tell "their life story." What a great way to gain the students respect--by making the assignment about them. Also, I couldn't believe that teachers cover their doors with construction paper to keep people from entering their class. My guess would be that those teachers also did not like to be a part of disscussing and conversing with their class, but Kaider's idea of having a picture of a door on his door let students know that his classroom was about interpretating and questioning, that he wasn't just going to let them sit there. The article's called Personal Narrative and Digital Storytelling. Check it out. It's worth the read!