Digital storytelling is the most recent addition to traditional narrative today. It involves creating stories using various technologies and incorporating images, words, and sounds into the tale. By doing this, we can take well-known and loved novels a step further. It adds the modern dimensions of technology much needed in today’s digital world. This can be done through interactive books, games, and sometimes even films. It allows us to share our experiences and create engaging, creative works of fiction.
While still a relatively new term, ‘digital storytelling’ is quickly becoming common vernacular in this technophilic society. It’s rare to see young children without laptops or tablets in their hands. Even traditional fairy tales are insignificant once they get an iPhone. However, despite the general disapproving consensus of this, it cannot be denied that it has opened up an entire world of new markets. The number one most popular product idea is digital storytelling.
Results
But what does this mean for libraries? While some think it will cause their downfall, I believe it will only make them stronger. Physical books may be going out of date, after all, but the stories themselves are still as strong as ever. And with the addition of technology to these timeless pieces, it only improves the number of readers. When children interact with their favourite books, their enjoyment, and more importantly, their engagement increases.
From an archiving point of view, digital storytelling only has benefits. Historical novels and ancient artefacts can now be preserved in their entire likeness. As well as this, they’re made available to the public anywhere throughout the world. Videos and podcasts allow everyday people to experience what otherwise would have been impossible, all within their electronic devices. Digital storytelling can enhance education and literacy levels, and even engage the community, so why shouldn’t we embrace it?
For museums and galleries, it may be the only thing we have to preserve priceless artefacts and artwork. If this technology had existed at the time, we could still have a copy of the Library of Alexandria today. We could still have the Temple of Baalshamin in Syria or the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. Even the Ancient City of Hatra in Iraq. It’s only due to the scourges of time and various groups of people over the years, that we don’t. Digital storytelling tools and technologies exist today for this exact reason. It makes the museum exhibits more appealing and engaging and also conserves and protects cherished and invaluable treasures. These treasures are becoming more and more deteriorated with every year that passes, but digital storytelling can prevent this.
Conclusion
Telling stories has been an essential part of human beings since the beginning of time. It allows us to explore new ideas, imagine entire new worlds, and experience what others around us have felt and done. It is a powerful tool in the right hands and can shift entire democracies. And with digital devices and technologies, we can make this power accessible to all.
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