Storybird Writing Projects, Part 1

Work interface

I have been using Storybird this semester with my German introductory and advanced writing courses this semester. the browser-based software provides a very large amount of artwork as prompts and allows writers to add text to their stories. You cannot use your own images, you have to rely on the provided ones. I really like this approach, which may, of course, only work for some tasks and writing scenarios.

The interface itself is in English. The free account provides a lot of features: class setup (which can be done without email addresses; all class-based tools should work like this), assignments, most of the artwork, and commenting features. Paid accounts give you some extra goodies, like PDF downloads, more cover options and grading features.

For lighter users, the free account is more than sufficient. I found that the pro accounts for smaller classes are extremely reasonable. All class work is restricted to the group unless the creator makes the story publicly available. Classes are easy to set up, there is no need for students to create accounts or use their e-mails addresses. The instructor can specific usernames and passwords and is then provided with a printable form with all the information, ready to be cut and distributed. Students are prompted to change their passwords the first time they log in. The instructor can always reset the password if a student loses the current password.

A page of a student story

I liked Storybird‘s social commenting features and overall ease of use. I will write a second post after the semester is over and hopefully I’ll get one of my students to share their story. We will certainly buy some stories as printed versions and host them in the language center.

Link: Storybird