This example demonstrates step-by-step how to wash your hands. It is designed for PreK students who are learning classroom etiquette and how to prevent spreading germs in a community environment. Each step is accompanied by a demonstrative picture and audio (presumably recorded by the teacher).

The video would be especially good at the beginning of the year, as students are being reminded how to keep a healthy classroom environment. To give students a sense of responsibility, the teacher might opt to remake the video using their own students so that the children can feel good about their contributions.

In this video, students are featured, displaying their knowledge of sight words. Each clip includes two children wearing bibs with individual letters that spell out the sight word. In conjunction with the clip, the children sing a song about the word they are showing. Although the words in this video are easy and aimed at a PreK audience, it could easily be adapted for older students.

This video is a good example of the capabilities of Photo Story 3. The photos and transitions have to be timed to match the specific sight word song (which are all unique). The students would be able to see their progression throughout the year, as the story could be edited from time to time to include new knowledge.

This site suggests using Photo Story 3 for students to generate interest in books that they have enjoyed reading. Students can create and scan their own images to make a digital reading journal, or use images from the text or internet. By recreating and retelling the story, the student must demonstrate reading comprehension skills. It also requires the student to be able to summarize and highlight important details without giving away too much.

One consideration might be to allow small groups of students to work together on a project such as this one, particularly in younger grades. Time would have to be maximized to allow for each child to contribute. A suggestion might be to include the option to work on Photo Story during small group reading time or during stations.

This video uses images from the book David Goes to School by David Shannon, but is narrated by two girls in a choral reading. The contribution by the students seems limited to reading the text, as it may be more beneficial for the teacher to construct the video and sync the timing of the reading with the movement from picture to picture.

One idea is to use the digital story as part of a portfolio. The teacher would have the option to share the video with parents either in conferences or back to school functions. In addition, the video could also be used to demonstrate progress to the children who have been recorded; to show how fluency has developed over the course of the year.

In Watertown, New York, Mrs. Bridgette Keenan's kindergarten class displays their classroom adventures through various Photo Story projects. Her website includes introductory activities, such as an adaptation of the familiar story Brown Bear, Brown Bear that acts as a video "yearbook" of her students.

Mrs. Keenan also highlights special activities in which her students have participated. The children are shown during an assembly about character, that Ronald McDonald emcees. They are also featured as they parade their Pinwheels for Peace. By making these resources accessible, the students are able to share their school activities at home and with extended family and friends.

User-friendly. Because of the “wizard” style directives of Photo Story 3, even the most technologically uneducated could create a finished product. Young students can be included in the process because of its simplicity.

Availability. Photo Story 3 is free for all Windows users. If it does not come with your system package, it is easily and quickly downloaded from multiple sites.

Versatility. Starting a new digital story is starting with a blank page. Any topic can be addressed and made appropriate for any audience. It is very adaptable and the option to record personal audio makes it even more so.

Windows-only. Photo Story 3, as a Microsoft product, is only available to Windows users.

Limited. Although the linear progression and limited options allow for ease of use, even for those who are technologically challenged, Photo Story 3 cannot be manipulated. It is another step in the progression from projectors to PowerPoint and now to Photo Story. It does not offer the wealth of options necessary to create diverse end products as in the case of other video and audio programs.

Time consuming. The step-by-step process of Photo Story allows for easy use, but construction of a product does take time. Photos must be located and imported, and timing the synchronization of video and audio is arduous.

Resource consuming. It would be preferential for another adult to be present during student creations, so that internet usage could be monitored. This takes a helping hand away from other classroom activities that might have a more beneficial impact on student development. Without the teacher being the creator, it seems difficult to integrate seamlessly into classroom instruction.