Thursday June 15, 2006
Digital Storytelling
Description
A digital story consists of a series of still images combined with a narrated soundtrack to tell a story. This is a powerful method of expression that captures the writer?s voice. Use of digital storytelling can be very compelling.
Findings
The article, Constructing Digital stories by Sara Kadjer, describes seven essential characteristics of effective digital stories. Step one is to write the initial script, which is less than 1 page. This in itself is appealing to students who find writing a challenge. Step two is to plan what to show ? a storyboard. The storyboard can be sketches, still images and even a short video clip. Beneath each a caption is needed to describe the idea to be conveyed. Step three is to discuss and revise the script. A good writer always revises. The idea here is for students to share their script and receive feedback. This includes which elements the script can convey and which aspects images should communicate. Step four is to sequence the images in the video. IMovie or Movie Maker is a digital video editor that can be used. Step five is to add the narrative track. Students narrate their script one sentence at a time. Step six is to add special effects and transitions. Minimal special effects seem to work best. Step seven is to add a musical soundtrack if time permits. Students may run out of time, therefore, this is the last step. The final step is placing the story elements into a stand-alone file that can be viewed with a media player.
During this two-year study, several lessons were learned: complete the script and storyboard away from the computer, save often, maintain a back-up copy, address copyright, and keep storytelling at the forefront.
Reflection
Digital storytelling is something I would like to try with my first grade class. The article states that the teacher rarely has access to all the equipment that is needed. I understand why that point is made and would like to do this by involving the school technology teacher. At the end of the year, Mrs. Haynes had the class work together to create a slide show in KidPix. Each child created one page and the technology teacher put it into a slide show. This was very exciting for my students. I definitely see this as a guided practice, whole class activity with input from everyone. For first graders, the topic would definitely need to be related to them. Some ideas are: writing about the first day of school, a recent field trip, my teachers, friends, character traits, etc. Students would work in groups of 2 or 3 on the script and storyboard, with lots of modeling and guided practice. The exciting part will be adding the narrative track. The first time doing this, I would probably skip adding special effects and a musical soundtrack. I want the students to be part of the process and the last two steps would require more from the technology teacher and not as much from them. After doing one or two digital stories, the last two steps could be introduced.Posted at 09:57PM Jun 15, 2006 by ALLEN, LYNNE in General | Comments[0]
This is a personal weblog, I do not speak for my employer.