Technology In Our Society

Constructing Digital Storytelling

Key Findings: In this article the authors discusses seven steps in constructing a digital story. Digital storytelling consists of using a computer to collect still images and a soundtrack to publish a story. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, the digital story gives a pictorial account of a given subject matter.

The first step in digital storytelling is to write an initial script. This is similar to establishing a blueprint for the story being told. In this process the script consist of text that can be printed on an index card which can generate a compelling digital story.  In the preliminary stage the students must be guided in identifying only essential elements.  In the second phase of digital storytelling, the students must plan an accompanying storyboard.  The accompanying storyboard is a plan for what to show. These consist of a series of sketches, video clips that enhances the story.  Also, during this phase students often use personal pictures that are scanned into the computer.  The third phase is known as discussion and revises. Often the class is divided into groups where students read aloud their script and receive comments or feedback for improving the story that is being told.  The fourth phase is sequencing the images in the video editor.  During this time students use a digital video editor such as iMovie or Movie Maker to manipulate the images or make adjustments to the quality of the product. 

The students import their images into a timeline. The timeline establish the order or sequence of the plot. Students must scale their images to the appropriate format in the video editor such that the display of the images is pleasing to the viewer.  The fifth digital storytelling is adding the narrative tracks. During this phase students narrate the script one sentence at a time which allows the students to have total control over pace of their work. Clarity of the narrations and tone are important inputs during this phase. The sixth phase of digital storytelling is to add special effects and transitions. While there are an abundance of visual effects and transitions the students often use minimal special effects for most stories.  The last digital storytelling is to add a musical soundtrack if time permits. The mode or intent can be injected into the plot with the proper soundtrack. Digital storytelling can be accomplished without a major outlay of money.

With today?s technology, all is needed is general hardware and software to produce extremely impressive results. Students with an interest and creative minds can produce digital stories quickly and without much effort. In the eyes of the general population much of the time the results produced by the students are borderline to being professional. Technology puts within the reach of students a whole new world of skills and abilities. While this technology unleashes talents and creativity it also builds higher level thinking by moving outside of traditional learning styles. It challenges old learning techniques by bringing into the learning environment present day tools which are being utilized in all industries and businesses. Students are energized by hands-on computer based learning programs. Therefore, digital storytelling enables and supports a positive learning experience for students.

Applying the lesson: I will use digital storytelling to help my students communicate more effectively; furthermore, digital storytelling will allow the students to work together as a team.  Digital storytelling will help students be more efficient in the technology skills.  Also, it provides a visual environment for learning new information. To utiilize digital communication in my classes, I introduce the lesson my showing past technology to present technology.  After the introduction, the students must put together a portfolio of their school years.  This activity is on going and at the end of the semester the students must share their project with the class.

Posted at 05:00PM Nov 18, 2006 by ljgladne in General  |  Comments[0]