Integrated Communication
I believe that when communication meets thoughtful technology, stories become more than messages—they become bridges between hearts, histories, and identities. In my Digital Storytelling project “What is in a Name?”, I used Adobe Illustrator, Keynote, Voicebooking, and YouTube to help 5th and 6th graders explore what their names mean, where they come from, and how they shape them. As I wove together visuals, narration, and interaction, I began to see how tech doesn’t just relay content—it invites learners to reflect, connect, and express themselves.
For my Technology Integration Unit Project, I designed a five-session instructional unit titled “Exploring Recycling and Environmental Stewardship” for students in grades 3–5. This project allowed me to evaluate and integrate learning technologies that supported the unit’s objectives of raising recycling awareness and developing students’ digital literacy skills. I incorporated Animoto as the primary technology tool, enabling students to create digital storytelling projects that communicated environmental messages in creative and engaging ways. Grounded in constructivist learning theory, my lesson plan guided students through interactive learning experiences—from research and brainstorming to digital content creation and peer feedback. Through this process, I strengthened my ability to design technology-enhanced instruction that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. This artifact reflects my growth as an educator who values purposeful technology integration to inspire learners, promote environmental responsibility, and build essential 21st-century skills.
In my project “What is in a Name?” for Digital Storytelling Across the Curriculum, I set out to create a digital story that would invite 5th and 6th graders to see their names as windows into family, culture, and identity. Using Adobe Illustrator for artwork, Keynote for animation, Voicebooking for narration, and YouTube for sharing, I blended visuals and audio to craft an engaging story. This multimedia approach was designed to engage students through visual, auditory, and interactive elements while encouraging them to reflect on their own names and identities.
For this assignment, I focused on how technologies can be used to both deliver instruction and enhance student engagement. I chose Keynote and Adobe Indesign as my primary tools because together they allow for both interactive learning experiences and creative content creation. My goal was to design an activity for 5th and 6th graders that combined historical inquiry with hands-on technology use, where students would develop a reflection poster and participate in an interactive quiz. This project challenged me to think about how communication through technology is not just about delivering content but also about creating opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and deeper understanding.
