Story Kit
Description: Story Kit is a very straightforward, user-friendly iPad tool (a.k.a. app). It is free to download, making it accessible to a variety of users. Story Kit allows the user to make an online book that is creative and uses images as well as sounds to enhance the book. When you first open the app a bookshelf pops up and you are able to create a new story with the quick click of the screen. You can use a photo from your photo library on your phone or iPad and design the background as well as add sound to the page. When a Story Kit is complete it may be opened on an Apple product (i.e., iPhone, iPad) or on any computer (Mac or PC) through an easy URL that is shared through email. Using the Story Kit app is as easy as:
1. Open a new page
2. Choose a picture
3. Upload the picture to the app
4. Record audio
4. Type in text
5. Color/design the background
6. Save your wok
7. Share (through email)
8. Watch!
**See the screen captures below the review for a better idea for what each page looks like.
**Here is a link to a step-by-step tutorial on how to use Story Kit.
**Here is a link to a Story Kit my 1st graders make using their persuasive writing skills.
Accuracy of Content: Story Kit is appropriate for students and adults, making it a wonderful tool to use in a variety of age groups and settings. This app is straight forward and easy to follow. The sequence of steps is logical and there is freedom for the user to choose the order of what section they would like to edit. Story Kit does not make the user follow a strict routine of completing one section before moving on to the next. Story Kit is appropriate for a variety of users regardless of gender, race or age. There are no blatant biases created on Story Kit to make the user feel uncomfortable in any way.
Technical Quality: If you have installed just one app in your lifetime you are going to have success using Story Kit. If you have never installed an app but are good at following a few quick directions again you will have success with this app. One of the best aspects of Story Kit is that it is a FREE tool! Installing Story Kit is as easy as going into your App Store, searching Story Kit, and clicking the install button. Once the app is uploaded you are ready to start using your new tool. Because this tool is an app it is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iMacs. Yet, if you are creating your project on an Apple device but need to to be displayed in a PC product there is no need to fret. Note: From all the research seen Story Kit is an app only for iPads and does not seem to have compatibility with Androids or other tablets.
A very neat feature of this app is that when you create a Story Kit on your Apple device you can click the share button, email it to yourself and then open the URL through your email allowing you to show your work anywhere! Another helpful feature of this app is that if you create your Story Kit on your iPad it is automatically accessible on your iPhone. This allows users to work on their projects and make revisions wherever they choose. Aesthetically, the app is relatively simple and straight-forward. There are not too many bells and whistles involved, for better or for worse depending what kind of app you are looking for.
Use of Technology: Story Kit is good to use in the classroom because it allows the teacher to add work from as many students as possible to one Story Kit project. The students learning is enriched through the use of this app because it addresses multiple intelligences, therefore reaching a variety of learners. The app allows students to use a visual (picture as well as design of the background), written words (if there is text), and sound (audio recording of their voices). Students also must used their auditory skills to listen to the Story Kit once it is complete. All of these combined skills must be used in conjunction for students to have success with this app. For this reason, I believe students are able to express their learning in a variety of ways and their learning is therefore enhanced. The use of Story Kit has the potential to require students participation in reading, writing, listening, and speaking all in one lesson while also integrating technology into the lesson.
Role of Students:
Once the app and its functions are displayed for the students it is feasible that students can take charge of their own projects and products. Using Story Kit is easy enough that 1st graders can use it on the iPad. Yet, it is not only for students, it can be used by adults who are beginners to the app world as well as those who are well versed in the use of apps. If you teach older students it may be a little simple for their swift “techy sensibilities” but Story Kit may still be a wonderful tool to begin the integration of technology in a classroom for those older students.
Role of Teacher: While first introducing Story Kit, the teacher has a larger role because they need to explain to the students how to navigate the app. Yet, after using the app a few short times students really have the opportunity to take charge of their own learning and move forward without constant guidance from the teacher.
Classroom Usage: Another fabulous component to Story Kit is that it may be used both individually and in a small group. Students may need teacher guidance initially then begin to run their own project when they become more comfortable.
There are many uses for Story Kit in the classroom. Students can use Story Kit...
in writing to record their voice while reading aloud one of their own pieces.
in reading to record their voice (or a partners) to practice reading for fluency.
to read a popular tale (i.e., Goldilocks and the Three Bears) in their own, unique style.
show the steps of solving a math problem (i.e., word problem).
explain what the rules and procedures of the classroom are for the students coming in next year.
introduce a new unit (teacher directed).
demonstrate their learning on a topic on the classroom.
Critical Summary: Overall, Story Kit is a very helpful tool. It is user-friendly, simple and mainstreamed. It allows students to showcase their learning in a creative way as it has the option to use visual images, auditory clips, and written text. Teachers have the opportunity to give students specific instructions and parameters for an assignment or allow students to have more say in their own work. Story Kit allows students to express their learning in a creative way and is an easy way to incorporate technology into the classroom.
Overall Rating (on a scale of 1 to 10): 8
Explanation of Rating: Although I really enjoy this app I feel that there are a few small things that would be beneficial to change. I think that the layout could be updated to make it a little more eye catching, boosting their overall following. I do feel that it is easy to use and many people will enjoy using this app for a variety of purposes.
1. Open a new page
2. Choose a picture
3. Upload the picture to the app
4. Record audio
4. Type in text
5. Color/design the background
6. Save your wok
7. Share (through email)
8. Watch!
**See the screen captures below the review for a better idea for what each page looks like.
**Here is a link to a step-by-step tutorial on how to use Story Kit.
**Here is a link to a Story Kit my 1st graders make using their persuasive writing skills.
Accuracy of Content: Story Kit is appropriate for students and adults, making it a wonderful tool to use in a variety of age groups and settings. This app is straight forward and easy to follow. The sequence of steps is logical and there is freedom for the user to choose the order of what section they would like to edit. Story Kit does not make the user follow a strict routine of completing one section before moving on to the next. Story Kit is appropriate for a variety of users regardless of gender, race or age. There are no blatant biases created on Story Kit to make the user feel uncomfortable in any way.
Technical Quality: If you have installed just one app in your lifetime you are going to have success using Story Kit. If you have never installed an app but are good at following a few quick directions again you will have success with this app. One of the best aspects of Story Kit is that it is a FREE tool! Installing Story Kit is as easy as going into your App Store, searching Story Kit, and clicking the install button. Once the app is uploaded you are ready to start using your new tool. Because this tool is an app it is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iMacs. Yet, if you are creating your project on an Apple device but need to to be displayed in a PC product there is no need to fret. Note: From all the research seen Story Kit is an app only for iPads and does not seem to have compatibility with Androids or other tablets.
A very neat feature of this app is that when you create a Story Kit on your Apple device you can click the share button, email it to yourself and then open the URL through your email allowing you to show your work anywhere! Another helpful feature of this app is that if you create your Story Kit on your iPad it is automatically accessible on your iPhone. This allows users to work on their projects and make revisions wherever they choose. Aesthetically, the app is relatively simple and straight-forward. There are not too many bells and whistles involved, for better or for worse depending what kind of app you are looking for.
Use of Technology: Story Kit is good to use in the classroom because it allows the teacher to add work from as many students as possible to one Story Kit project. The students learning is enriched through the use of this app because it addresses multiple intelligences, therefore reaching a variety of learners. The app allows students to use a visual (picture as well as design of the background), written words (if there is text), and sound (audio recording of their voices). Students also must used their auditory skills to listen to the Story Kit once it is complete. All of these combined skills must be used in conjunction for students to have success with this app. For this reason, I believe students are able to express their learning in a variety of ways and their learning is therefore enhanced. The use of Story Kit has the potential to require students participation in reading, writing, listening, and speaking all in one lesson while also integrating technology into the lesson.
Role of Students:
Once the app and its functions are displayed for the students it is feasible that students can take charge of their own projects and products. Using Story Kit is easy enough that 1st graders can use it on the iPad. Yet, it is not only for students, it can be used by adults who are beginners to the app world as well as those who are well versed in the use of apps. If you teach older students it may be a little simple for their swift “techy sensibilities” but Story Kit may still be a wonderful tool to begin the integration of technology in a classroom for those older students.
Role of Teacher: While first introducing Story Kit, the teacher has a larger role because they need to explain to the students how to navigate the app. Yet, after using the app a few short times students really have the opportunity to take charge of their own learning and move forward without constant guidance from the teacher.
Classroom Usage: Another fabulous component to Story Kit is that it may be used both individually and in a small group. Students may need teacher guidance initially then begin to run their own project when they become more comfortable.
There are many uses for Story Kit in the classroom. Students can use Story Kit...
in writing to record their voice while reading aloud one of their own pieces.
in reading to record their voice (or a partners) to practice reading for fluency.
to read a popular tale (i.e., Goldilocks and the Three Bears) in their own, unique style.
show the steps of solving a math problem (i.e., word problem).
explain what the rules and procedures of the classroom are for the students coming in next year.
introduce a new unit (teacher directed).
demonstrate their learning on a topic on the classroom.
Critical Summary: Overall, Story Kit is a very helpful tool. It is user-friendly, simple and mainstreamed. It allows students to showcase their learning in a creative way as it has the option to use visual images, auditory clips, and written text. Teachers have the opportunity to give students specific instructions and parameters for an assignment or allow students to have more say in their own work. Story Kit allows students to express their learning in a creative way and is an easy way to incorporate technology into the classroom.
Overall Rating (on a scale of 1 to 10): 8
Explanation of Rating: Although I really enjoy this app I feel that there are a few small things that would be beneficial to change. I think that the layout could be updated to make it a little more eye catching, boosting their overall following. I do feel that it is easy to use and many people will enjoy using this app for a variety of purposes.