Final Project report

•  description of the final project
  

My finial project is about the implementation of digital storytelling in the forensic science education and intends to add a new example area under the EUODS website. Digital storytelling can be an effective instructional tool for teacher and an effective learning tool for students. I think the combination of forensic science education and digital storytelling can be a interesting tryout in different subject area. This project will try to use DST as a teaching and learning tool in forensic science online course in Summer 2009. At the end of this class, students will produce digital story to demonstrate the understand of the subject and these productions will be shared on the EUODS website.

• the major objectives of the project

The major objectives of this project is to provide a new example area under EUODS website and a new usage of digital storytelling in the teaching and learning of forensic science education.

• why you selected this topic.

My brother, who is a assistant professor in forensic science, asked me some questions about instructional strategies that he might use in his area. This is the very first beginning that this idea comes from.

After reviewing some literature of forensic science education, I think it maybe a good direction for further investigate. The purpose of forensic science education is to provide students with the practical skills, knowledge and problem solving abilities that will promote their advancement within the field of forensic science.A forensic scientist must be capable of integrating knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and testimonial support of physical evidence.(National Institute of Justice, 2004)


And Digital storytelling provides an effective instructional tool for teacher and an effective learning tool for students, and is able to increase a full complement of literacy skills such as research skills, writing skills, technology skills and problem-solving skills that are indispensable for forensic scientist.

• Who the intended audience is for your work

My intended audience would be forensic science educators, forensic scientists and digital storytelling researchers.

• What items in the project changed from the early stages of selecting the topic through completion of the final project

The participant of this project was the students who enrolled in physical evidence class of SHSU in Spring 2009. Because of the time constraint and preparation for this course, the participant of this project now will be the students who enroll in forensic science online course in Summer 2009.

• any challenges you faced in creating this project and how you overcame them

The biggest challenges is which class will be available for this project. Fortunately, my brother is going to offer a summer course this year. This is a very good opportunity to make this idea reality.
On the other hand, how to integrate DST in Summer intensive online course will be challenging as well. I am working with my brother to create the supplementary learning materials for the class and try to figure out how to use it properly in the online class. Evaluation and review will be conducted after the class.

• What the most significant things you learned from from completing the final project

After doing so many online research about DST this semester, I realized that DST definitely can be use in myriad of areas. I also noticed DST and educational video have some features in common and sometimes confusing. What's the difference between DST and educational videos? Is it better to use DST teacher-centered or student-centered?
I think it is not necessary for teachers to create new DS for particular class. There are so many resources online and ready to use in the classroom. We should spend more time to make our 21st century student to be capable to produce their own DS to present his or her understanding about the subject. I think using DST as a learning tool for students will be more significant than use it as a instructional tool for teachers.