Digital Storytelling Web 2.0 Tools
Storytelling has been an important part of cutures aound the world since the begining of time. For thousands of years, stories have only been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth, acting, and books. In this new digital age, digital storytelling tools have been developed to make sharing stories with other people even easier. Here are some storytelling web tools that I have reviewed in my Web 2.0 class.
1. GoAnimate
GoAnimate is a Web 2.0 tool designed to be the world’s best do-it-yourself animated video website. This tool received a 26/27 point rating. It is a user friendly tool. The step by step instructions make it quick and easy to create a video. In just a few minutes, you can create a short animation! Most tools are free to use, and the ones that aren’t free can be purchased for only $4.50 per month.
I would recommend this tool to a classmate because it is so easy to use. If they are short on time they can create a story presentation in a few minutes.
2. KerPoof
KerPoof is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create digital storybooks by creating their own illustrations and using their own writings. The overall rating of the tool is twenty-four out of twenty-seven. The site is powered by the Walt Disney Company this fact is evident throughout the website. The site allows kids to use their imagination paired with a powerful website to create awesome digital storybooks.
I would recommend this site to just about everyone because the site is easy to use and creates a great finished product.
3. Comic Master
Comic Master is a web tool designed to let the user create digital comics to emphasis the fact that “reading isn’t only books, it’s everywhere!” The site received twenty-four out of twenty seven points because you could use all tools for free, and it has received many awards and partnerships from several educational groups. It was also very convenient to be able to begin working on a comic strip without needing to first make an account.
I would recommend this tool to classmates and especially students who don’t particularly enjoy reading, but love using their imagination because this site brings learning to the students in a fun, imaginative way.
4. ZooBurst
The ZooBurst Web 2.0 tool is a tool that allows users to make a digital 3-D pop-up book. My overall rating for the tool is twenty-one out of twenty-seven points. The free tool did not allow me to use features that I needed to meet the requirements for my storyboard project. I would have to purchase the full version to gain access to several desired features. I was unable to gain essential information about the web tool before registering for the product.
I wouldn’t recommend this tool to a high school student because the final piece seems rather simple and I believe that there are better tools out there to use for a high school level project. This site would work very well for upper elementary students and teachers who are just looking for a simple web tool that will allow them to write and illustrate digital books.
5. StoryBird
StoryBird is a web tool designed to bring artists and writers together to create beautifully illustrated and written eBooks. This tool received twenty out of twenty-seven points. The site didn’t give a lot of information about its product. I also couldn’t find any contact information. From what I found there aren’t any awards for this site. The positive side for this web tool is the collaboration between writers and authors. Together they have created some very beautiful works.
I’m not sure I would recommend this tool to a student for a class project because I couldn’t receive a lot of information about it before needing to make an account. I would recommend this to an author who is interested in writing short stories and doing some creative writing.
