Integrating Storytelling into Real Life
Two days down, two to go!
I have really enjoyed watching all of you explore and create for the last two sessions. I am looking forward to seeing more of your projects take shape today.
I would like to take a bit of a turn here, though. There is a link over to the side that lists the resources that I have put up (so far!) about digital storytelling. I would like you to spend some time today exploring some of the sites, particularly the ones that relate to classroom implementation.
In the lower right corner of this window is a spot that reads Comments. Sometime before the end of the day today, I want you to click on this and spend a few minutes writing your thoughts about digital storytelling back at your school. Do you think it will work? Do you see benefits? Are there issues you'll need to work around to make it happen?
For those of you working on this for credit, you can use these comments as a starting point for your paper. Two birds with one stone!
I have really enjoyed watching all of you explore and create for the last two sessions. I am looking forward to seeing more of your projects take shape today.
I would like to take a bit of a turn here, though. There is a link over to the side that lists the resources that I have put up (so far!) about digital storytelling. I would like you to spend some time today exploring some of the sites, particularly the ones that relate to classroom implementation.
In the lower right corner of this window is a spot that reads Comments. Sometime before the end of the day today, I want you to click on this and spend a few minutes writing your thoughts about digital storytelling back at your school. Do you think it will work? Do you see benefits? Are there issues you'll need to work around to make it happen?
For those of you working on this for credit, you can use these comments as a starting point for your paper. Two birds with one stone!
posted by Conn McQuinn @ 8:18 AM
5 Comments:
At 1:52 PM,
Anonymous said…
This has been an involved few days thus far. Eager to see what everyone is so busily creating...I have been completely engrossed in my own project, which gives me hope that a similar project might similarly captivate my 8th graders.
The past few nights, I've fallen asleep with my head spinning with regard to the variety of uses I see for digital storytelling in my classroom. Here are a few of my ideas, roughly sketched:
-Oral history, or a "Who Am I?" project or autobiography where students create a project to share that tells the story of their life...or at least a few highlights.
-Point of view essay. I just finished reading the young adult novel, "Speak" which is about a teenager who has endured trauma, and as a result, doesn't speak. I envisioned students creating a digital story from her point of view, almost like a digital journal...with her thoughts and fears surrounding the trauma she's experienced. A similar type of assignment could be given for any other work of literature.
-A creative project of their own design (with some limitations, of course). For instance, I could set some parameters (ie: Poetry) and see what topics pique their interest. As a model, I could show them my project on War Poets.
I love the blend of music, narration and photos. It is, for me, a powerful combination of media. Thanks for the loosely put-together, but incredibly well-supported, class. Thoroughly educational, and interesting,
At 2:19 PM,
Anonymous said…
At first I would like to share with you that I enjoy very much the digital storytelling course, because of two reason. First I learned a new software which allows me to to tell a story through different media (image,sound and animated movement). Second it inspired me to integrate an assignment in my video class (creating a digital story with images and sound).
Some concerns are in my mind when giving the assignment to my students:
1. Time management: Students will either spend too much time on details or will finish the project very fast and superfical. I believe a time frame should be given and shown to the teacher. (For example: a)preproduction phase: write a paragraph of your idea;purpose and what kind of voice/opinion
b) What kind of music and how many images are you going to use
c) limit the digital storytelling max. 3 minutes
d) submit first draft to teacher get feedback
e) submit final draft
2. Assessment:
I believe a rubiric for the assessment for the assignment is necessary. However it will be always very subjective. I might give the chance to let the students assess other students work as well. Maybe I will count this assessment to 30% of the grade
At 1:34 PM,
Anonymous said…
I have really enjoyed this class and was very surprised at how simple photostory is to use (compared to powerpoint).
Starting this fall I will be teaching computer graphics, which is a new subject for me. I think digital storytelling will be a great way to motivate students and get them personaly connected to their work. I now plan on having a digital storytelling unit. What I hope to do is encourage their self-expression through the use of technology.
I have several ideas of what I would like my students to create. I will probably use digital photography and photodraw elements together with digital storytelling.
At 2:09 PM,
Anonymous said…
When I first came to class I was a little worried that I may have gotten into something over my head. Boy was I wrong! By the first hour into class we were all in our little worlds. I can't believe how easy it is to be a film maker! I'm so excited to share this way of storytelling to staff and students. If it has this effect on me, just think what it will do for students.
Most of the students that I work with have learning disabilities, and come to class with low self esteem. I hope that it will spark their interest, empower them with confidence, become independent when doing a classroom project.
At 2:20 PM,
Anonymous said…
Conn,
I love the Photostory program and the many possibilmities it presents for learning. I am excited to have my history students use it for various projects. After working for 4 days with this program, I realize it would have been smart to make an preliminary outline before making the storyboard. I love the idea that students can use pictures which are more available and much easier to obtain than video cameras.
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