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In August 2005, Algiers, Louisiana (a community within the city of New Orleans) experienced Hurricane Katrina firsthand. Martin Behrman Elementary School, along with the rest of Algiers, fought hard to adjust to the struggles that the devastating storm left in its wake. In an effort to maintain a strong educational system, the Algiers Charter School Association was established, and Behrman Elementary expanded its reach to serve students through the eighth grade. Despite the many challenges and changes they've faced, the staff and administrators at Behrman have been able to better themselves and their community through their tireless commitment to education.
Partnering with their efforts, the Mobile Learning Institute hosted a program to help integrate technology into Behrman's existing curriculum. In 2006, MLI provided a digital storytelling workshop at the school that enabled students to share their own stories and learn about technology even as they studied government. Working individually and in pairs, participants used software to make short films that combined information on the roles and responsibilities of government with recollections of the students’ personal experiences during and after Katrina. In creating these films, the students offered frank assessments of governmental preparedness and effectiveness, as well as heartfelt suggestions for ways in which citizens, volunteers, and governmental entities can best aid the area’s recovery.
To view the digital stories, click the images below.
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