Storybird is an online tool that allows you to read, create and share stories.
In English classes, it can be used either to encourage literacy, development of foreign language vocabulary and written work, or developing creative writing.
The use of this tool has more advantages than disadvantages. One one hand, it combines images and text to tell a story. Storybird can be created collaboratively or individually and it provides a huge number of ready made images. These ready made images force students to focus on their writing and story telling techniques by creating artwork. What is more, Storybird is free and has a spellchecker function default in American English that can be changed to other languages such as British English, French and Portuguese among others. Last but not least, students' work is managed through virtual classrooms where students and teachers can see each others' work. That allows students to comment on others' work and make contributions. On the other hand, you need to create an account to be able to use this tool. However, you are able to set up a teacher account which allows you to enable students to use the service without each student having to set up individual accounts as well as managing classes and setting assignments. Furthermore, the ready made images are cathegorized so you have to choose a set of pictures and work on them. You cannot select images from different sets. Storybird does not allow you to upload your own illustrations so it may be limiting for the students. Finally, printing stories is not free.
Encourage your students to develop their writing and reading skills by creating their own stories!
Learn how to use and manipulate this tool with the following tutorial.
Learn how to use and manipulate this tool with the following tutorial.
This entry was posted
on Monday, September 23, 2013
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