Post #1
The Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling
http://digitalliteracyintheclassroom.pbworks.com/f/Educ-Uses-DS.pdf
This article on digital storytelling provides a basic information on digital storytelling including whwat it is, where it came from, how it can leveraged as a tool to engage learners when providing instruction, and how creating digital stories can be an effective medium through which students can improve on literacy skills. The article delves into very particular aspects of digital story telling from the types of stories based on the topic to the many skills that it helps develop (digital citizenship, problem solving, technological, organizational, etc. ).
Post #2
When Aboriginal and Métis Teachers use Storytelling
as an Instructional Practice
http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/storytelling
This research study examines how seven First Nations and Métis teachers use storytelling and how storytelling is a fundamental part of their professional and cultural practice. Through the use of story telling, the teachers truly become facilitators and connectors if ideas in order to make the curriculum understandable and meaningful. As the study states, the sharing of stories fosters and represents shared learning, shared, values, and equity, which is a powerful statement; one that all teachers aspire to create in their classroom.
Post #3
Aboriginal Digital Opportunities Addressing Aboriginal Learning Needs Through the Use of Learning Technologies
“Aboriginal communities find themselves in an interesting situation. With respect to the digital era, they are…at the starting gate with all sectors of Canadian society. [Aboriginal peoples] also perhaps stand to benefit the most from the digital era.” (Shirley Serafini, Deputy Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs, 2000)
This research report conducted by The Conference Board of Canada presents findings on current status of digital technology. It briefly states the benefits, challenges and necessity of technology to empower learners in aboriginal communities. The study measures the current status and use and provides a roadmap to bridge the digital divide and increase the impact and engagement through technology in education.
Post #4
Aboriginal Culture in the Digital Age
http://www.kta.on.ca/pdf/AboriginalCultureinaDigitalAge.pdf
This paper identifies and examines the fit of ICT to promote aboriginal identity, culture and values. The value in this paper is that it poses questions that educators should be asking when meeting the ICT standards when it comes to indigenous students.
Questions such as:
- What possibilities does ICT open up for meeting the cultural challenges facing Aboriginal peoples today?
- Why is cultural preservation and continuity so important?
- Given the subtleties and nuances of language and dialects, to what degree can ICT be employed to ensure the intricacies of Aboriginal cultures are not lost?
This article does an exceptional job at connecting pieces and provides value for equipping students with the components within the ICT program of studies.
Post #5
Integrating Aboriginal Perspectives into Curricula
http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/policy/abpersp/ab_persp.pdf
If you don’t tell your children who and what they are, they won’t know. How can they be proud of what they don’t know? – Salish Elder
This curriculum resource supplement created by the government of Manitoba speaks to educational stakeholders including teachers, administrators, curriculum developers on the importance of integrating Aboriginal education. The premise of the document evolves around the idea that all students should be exposed to the contributions made by everyone in the development of Canada, including the indigenous. The benefits to student belonging to Aboriginal communities are obvious, but what those from non-Aboriginal descent, will develop an understanding and respect for all cultures, and values all the while eliminating stereotypes that exists about Aboriginal people.