What the heck is ds106?

Photo CC By: George Mason

 

What in the world does ds106  mean and why should I learn about this? Well, believe it or not, learning about ds106 can have a lot of benefits. Let me start by explaining what it is and where is originated at?

Digital Storytelling, or better known as ds106, is a program which was started at the University of Mary Washington as an online course. Over the years, this “class” has expanded into more than just an online course. Digital Storytelling allows people from all over the world to share/tell personal stories using digital tools which can include: audio, video, writing, drawing and photography. Ds106 is a great way to incorporate technology while creating, sharing, learning, and expressing stories. The best part of ds106, is that it is free for anyone to use and join in, and you can leave whenever you need to.

There are many ways for me, as a future teacher, in which I can incorporate ds106 in my classroom. Students can definitely get creative with technology while exploring different digital tools and incorporating them in their own stories. Students can challenge each other, or even other classes to create and learn more about technology.

According to the article, about ds106, the following are skills students/people will gain…

The course objectives are rather straightforward:

-Develop skills in using technology as a tool for networking, sharing, narrating, and creative self-expression
-Frame a digital identity wherein you become both a practitioner in and interrogator of various new modes of networking
-Critically examine the digital landscape of communication technologies as emergent narrative forms and genres

I personally think it is great to use technological resources available to us, while using our abilities and technology to learn, as we learn from other people’s experiences, and they learn from ours. Using ds106 and sharing personal stories with people all over the world can definitely create a “friendship” relationship. The fact that people can share ideas and knowledge between each other, is a great way to elaborate and learn. Personally, ds106 can help me grow to be creative, and help me learn to develop skills.