Story Kit Review
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8
Grade Levels: K-5
Subject Areas: all content areas
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8
Grade Levels: K-5
Subject Areas: all content areas
DESCRIPTION
Story Kit is a digital storytelling app that allows users to read, edit, and create their own stories. This app is available for free through the App Store. Story Kit allows users to add text, pictures, and voice to classic tales and stories they create. Pictures can be uploaded directly from your iPad Photo Stream or students can draw pictures using the app. Once users have developed their own stories, they can be saved to an apple product, such as an iPad or iPhone, or shared through email via a URL. This user-friendly app provides the opportunity to create unique content based on students' interests and individual needs.
Here is a YouTube video for how to use the Story Kit app.
ACCURACY OF CONTENT
Story Kit is easy to use and can be incorporated into numerous subject areas. The content is appropriate for elementary-aged students and can be used to meet these students' individual needs. The steps necessary to create a digital storybook are logical and simple to follow for even the tiniest learners. Each action is represented by a simple icon that makes the action clear to all students despite reading abilities. This app appears to be free of bias and accessible to nearly all learners.
Although Story Kit allows students to create drawings using their finger or a stylus on the app itself, it would be nice to be able scan students' drawings into the app to include as part of their stories. This would allow younger students to be able to add text or a voice recording more readily. Additionally, in order for students to record themselves, they need to exit the text box. It would be beneficial for young students to be able to read what they have to say directly on the screen.
TECHNICAL QUALITY
You do not need to be a computer whiz to install this app! Educators can access this tool by going to the App Store on their iPad or iPhone and searching "StoryKit," or by following this link. Once found in the App Store, you simply click the install button. Story Kit can be uploaded to multiple devices using the cloud storage. Once this app is uploaded onto your device, you are ready to begin! Both students are teachers are easily able to create and edit content and share their work with others.
Story Kit is a digital storytelling app that allows users to read, edit, and create their own stories. This app is available for free through the App Store. Story Kit allows users to add text, pictures, and voice to classic tales and stories they create. Pictures can be uploaded directly from your iPad Photo Stream or students can draw pictures using the app. Once users have developed their own stories, they can be saved to an apple product, such as an iPad or iPhone, or shared through email via a URL. This user-friendly app provides the opportunity to create unique content based on students' interests and individual needs.
Here is a YouTube video for how to use the Story Kit app.
ACCURACY OF CONTENT
Story Kit is easy to use and can be incorporated into numerous subject areas. The content is appropriate for elementary-aged students and can be used to meet these students' individual needs. The steps necessary to create a digital storybook are logical and simple to follow for even the tiniest learners. Each action is represented by a simple icon that makes the action clear to all students despite reading abilities. This app appears to be free of bias and accessible to nearly all learners.
Although Story Kit allows students to create drawings using their finger or a stylus on the app itself, it would be nice to be able scan students' drawings into the app to include as part of their stories. This would allow younger students to be able to add text or a voice recording more readily. Additionally, in order for students to record themselves, they need to exit the text box. It would be beneficial for young students to be able to read what they have to say directly on the screen.
TECHNICAL QUALITY
You do not need to be a computer whiz to install this app! Educators can access this tool by going to the App Store on their iPad or iPhone and searching "StoryKit," or by following this link. Once found in the App Store, you simply click the install button. Story Kit can be uploaded to multiple devices using the cloud storage. Once this app is uploaded onto your device, you are ready to begin! Both students are teachers are easily able to create and edit content and share their work with others.
When reading through other reviews in the App Store, it was noted that this app sometimes crashed when reading and editing stories longer than thirty pages. This app has received frequent updates to address similar issues.
This app is very minimalistic. There are very few distracting features. The only detailed sounds or graphics used on this app are those developed by the students themselves. This is key to a successful tool for young learners. Without being presented with all the "bells and whistles," students are able to get to work creating rather than being distracted. Although students are presented with some visual choice, it would be nice for them to be able to edit fonts to make their books more personal.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Story Kit makes great use of technology for the intended goals. Students are able to create digital storybooks focusing on many different content areas. This app helps to add to the students' educational experiences. With this app, students can write for a purpose. They know that others will be viewing their work, which naturally encourages them to put forth their best effort. Story Kit provides students the ability to practice their speaking and listening skills, which now play a bigger role due to the Common Core State Standards.
The best feature of Story Kit is that it allows all students to have access to the curriculum. Students are able to share their thinking despite limitations in writing and/or oral communication. This app allows students to express themselves through pictures, text, and voice recordings. Students do not have to use all the features of this app in order to be successful in sharing their learning. This presents students with choice and the chance to feel empowered.
ROLE OF STUDENTS
Students will be empowered because they will be able to share their knowledge no matter how developed they are with oral speaking or writing. Students can share information and write and edit books based on their own needs and comfort levels. Story Kit allows students to have control of their learning. Teachers can present students with an objective and this tool provides students with many different ways to meet that objective. Success doesn't have to be measured in one way and creativity can be appreciated.
Story Kit can be used in whole group, small group, and individual formats. Students can collaborate on research or co-write a story when working in larger groups or can publish a piece from writing workshop when working independently. With proper planning by the teacher, all of the books created on the Story Kit app can provide assessment information. It is important, though, to determine what you are looking for and set appropriate parameters before assigning the project to students.
The products that can be created using this app are endless. Students will value their own thinking and learning processes because they will have a product that they can be proud of. Their assignment will not just be sent home in their "take home folder" never to be seen again. Rather, their products will always be there on the bookshelf of the app or available through a URL to be shared and reflected on.
ROLE OF TEACHER
The teacher would need to model the use of this app and the students would need to practice, practice, practice. Think gradual release! The teacher could show the students how to create a book while navigating the software. The class could also work together to create a whole class product before students are expected to explore independently or in small groups.
Although the teacher is unable to change the software, he or she can set up projects for students to work on. The teacher could import pictures for students to comment on or type selections from a book for students to practice reading fluently. The possibilities are endless, but require a little creativity from both the teacher and students. Teachers can monitor student learning by viewing completed and in progress projects. Teachers can also help make students more accountable by developing check lists for students to use when self-monitoring their own progress. It will be important for teachers to confer with students to make sure students are using the software correctly.
Although there is not a specific manual for teachers to follow, this app is so user-friendly that teachers should be able to trouble-shoot most issues students come across while using this tool. However, if you can't solve your problem, check out this FAQ page or send an email to [email protected] to get some extra help!
CLASSROOM USAGE
Story Kit can be used in many ways within elementary classrooms. Story Kit allows students to share ideas and understandings in written and oral form. Some examples of ways to use this app in the classroom are as follows:
Story Kit can be used individually and in small groups throughout many subject areas. Student grouping arrangements should be determined based on student learning targets and individual needs. Students may require extra support when first using this tool, but will become more comfortable with every use.
CRITICAL SUMMARY
Story Kit is an free, user-friendly app that allows students to create, edit, and share digital storybooks. Students can incorporate text, pictures, and audio clips with the simple click of an icon. Teachers can determine the goal students are to achieve and set expectations while providing students with an opportunity to be creative in the way they express themselves. This app serves as a powerful motivational tool and can enhance student learning.
OVERALL RATING (ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 9
EXPLANATION OF RATING
Story Kit is a wonderful app that allows students to express themselves in many ways. This app supports differentiation in the classroom and allows students to experience success in multiple content areas. Although this app has so many great features, it would be beneficial to make some changes to better support its use in the classroom. This app could be improved by allowing students to read the text they have written while recording their voices. Although there are ways to deal with this issue, this change would make this tool even more user-friendly.
Image Source:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8
This app is very minimalistic. There are very few distracting features. The only detailed sounds or graphics used on this app are those developed by the students themselves. This is key to a successful tool for young learners. Without being presented with all the "bells and whistles," students are able to get to work creating rather than being distracted. Although students are presented with some visual choice, it would be nice for them to be able to edit fonts to make their books more personal.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Story Kit makes great use of technology for the intended goals. Students are able to create digital storybooks focusing on many different content areas. This app helps to add to the students' educational experiences. With this app, students can write for a purpose. They know that others will be viewing their work, which naturally encourages them to put forth their best effort. Story Kit provides students the ability to practice their speaking and listening skills, which now play a bigger role due to the Common Core State Standards.
The best feature of Story Kit is that it allows all students to have access to the curriculum. Students are able to share their thinking despite limitations in writing and/or oral communication. This app allows students to express themselves through pictures, text, and voice recordings. Students do not have to use all the features of this app in order to be successful in sharing their learning. This presents students with choice and the chance to feel empowered.
ROLE OF STUDENTS
Students will be empowered because they will be able to share their knowledge no matter how developed they are with oral speaking or writing. Students can share information and write and edit books based on their own needs and comfort levels. Story Kit allows students to have control of their learning. Teachers can present students with an objective and this tool provides students with many different ways to meet that objective. Success doesn't have to be measured in one way and creativity can be appreciated.
Story Kit can be used in whole group, small group, and individual formats. Students can collaborate on research or co-write a story when working in larger groups or can publish a piece from writing workshop when working independently. With proper planning by the teacher, all of the books created on the Story Kit app can provide assessment information. It is important, though, to determine what you are looking for and set appropriate parameters before assigning the project to students.
The products that can be created using this app are endless. Students will value their own thinking and learning processes because they will have a product that they can be proud of. Their assignment will not just be sent home in their "take home folder" never to be seen again. Rather, their products will always be there on the bookshelf of the app or available through a URL to be shared and reflected on.
ROLE OF TEACHER
The teacher would need to model the use of this app and the students would need to practice, practice, practice. Think gradual release! The teacher could show the students how to create a book while navigating the software. The class could also work together to create a whole class product before students are expected to explore independently or in small groups.
Although the teacher is unable to change the software, he or she can set up projects for students to work on. The teacher could import pictures for students to comment on or type selections from a book for students to practice reading fluently. The possibilities are endless, but require a little creativity from both the teacher and students. Teachers can monitor student learning by viewing completed and in progress projects. Teachers can also help make students more accountable by developing check lists for students to use when self-monitoring their own progress. It will be important for teachers to confer with students to make sure students are using the software correctly.
Although there is not a specific manual for teachers to follow, this app is so user-friendly that teachers should be able to trouble-shoot most issues students come across while using this tool. However, if you can't solve your problem, check out this FAQ page or send an email to [email protected] to get some extra help!
CLASSROOM USAGE
Story Kit can be used in many ways within elementary classrooms. Story Kit allows students to share ideas and understandings in written and oral form. Some examples of ways to use this app in the classroom are as follows:
- Narrate a story
- Learn about editing
- Practice oral reading fluency
- Retell stories
- Share new learning on a specific topic
- Publish writing
- Share problem-solving steps
Story Kit can be used individually and in small groups throughout many subject areas. Student grouping arrangements should be determined based on student learning targets and individual needs. Students may require extra support when first using this tool, but will become more comfortable with every use.
CRITICAL SUMMARY
Story Kit is an free, user-friendly app that allows students to create, edit, and share digital storybooks. Students can incorporate text, pictures, and audio clips with the simple click of an icon. Teachers can determine the goal students are to achieve and set expectations while providing students with an opportunity to be creative in the way they express themselves. This app serves as a powerful motivational tool and can enhance student learning.
OVERALL RATING (ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 9
EXPLANATION OF RATING
Story Kit is a wonderful app that allows students to express themselves in many ways. This app supports differentiation in the classroom and allows students to experience success in multiple content areas. Although this app has so many great features, it would be beneficial to make some changes to better support its use in the classroom. This app could be improved by allowing students to read the text they have written while recording their voices. Although there are ways to deal with this issue, this change would make this tool even more user-friendly.
Image Source:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8