Digital+Storytelling+Program

Introduction
Each of us has our own stories. For centuries, stories have served as means of recording events, conveying wisdom and sharing a perspective about the world around us. Through the power of narrative, a story can unfold and tell who we are and relate the significance of events or ideas to listeners in a deeply personal way. Stories can give us a new perspective, and cause us to care about issues and/or challenge us to learn and inspire us to change. The essence of personal story is in the narrative. Telling stories with the addition of images and sounds allows the narrative to take on new dimension and the storyteller to economize on the use of words. Twenty first century storytellers are able use digital technologies to create and distribute short and powerful multimedia stories to any location throughout the world, with the most popular means of distribution, being the Internet. The purpose of the Digital Storytelling Program is to provide faculty participants with the opportunity to develop the practices and skills to create digital stories, and to explore how digital storytelling might be employed in their own instructional contexts.

Purpose
The purpose of the Digital Storytelling Program is to provide participants with the opportunity to develop the practices and skills to create digital stories, and to explore how digital storytelling might be employed in their own contexts. Through a series of hands-on sessions, participants will be introduced to processes and tools that support digital storytelling. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of concise script writing, narration, and the selection of images and sounds as a means to convey story, and the use of storyboarding as a process for structuring the development of digital stories. In addition, participants will learn to use freely available software tools for editing digital video (such as WeVideo online editor or programs such as Microsoft Movie Maker for the PC and iMovie for the Mac) and audio (Audacity) to support the creation of digital stories. The experience gained in the Digital Storytelling Program is intended to serve as a foundation by which participants can determine how they and their students might be able to use digital storytelling to support learning in educational settings. In addition to creating their own digital story, faculty who complete this program will be able to:
 * Use the practices and skills of digital storytelling to create new works
 * Describe the value of digital storytelling in supporting reflection and learning
 * Develop plans for using digital story telling in a variety of instructional contexts
 * Provide structural and technical guidance to support student creation of digital stories

Program Overview
The DST program is for faculty* who are interested in developing and incorporating their own (or student generated) digital stories in their teaching practice as a means to share narrative stories, provide background information on a particular topic or issue, generate interest and deep reflection, foster insight, encourage discussion and enhance student engagement and learning. Participants will engage with a cohort of other faculty in sequenced sessions throughout the Spring 2014 semester, in which they will be introduced to concepts and engage in discussion and hands-on practice. Each participant will create their own digital story based on some aspect of their own learning or teaching and share this with cohorts in the program. Participants will then discuss what they have learned, identify how they will incorporate digital storytelling into their course(s) and create a second story and plan for use of digital storytelling during the upcoming semester. Following implementation in their practice, participants will regroup to discuss and document their experience and impact on their teaching and student engagement. Participants will be encouraged to share their reflection and a copy of their story(ies) with the Center for Teaching Excellence for use as examples for other faculty and possibly present to other interested faculty during a lunch-time discussion. The program will now address the use of a personal laptop or iPad amd the use of a free online editor. //(*Exceptions – Support staff, such as Instructional Designers, Grad/Post-Grad students who teach or support the use of digital storytelling in teaching or research may apply. These applications will be considered pending space availability.)// Program dates and details are listed below:

9 AM – 11:30 AM
> Close > > **Introduction to Digital Storytelling** > During this session, we will look as some examples of digital stories, provide an overview of a process for creating your own personal narrative as digital story(ies) and help faculty begin to explore how DST might work in their discipline/content area, such as sharing experiences, histories and ideas. We will discuss the process of sharing stories in a story circle as preparation for engaging in that exercise in an upcoming session. We will consider what it means to use the power narrative form, visual images, transitions and sound to transform a story into a digital format for delivery in a 3 to 4 minute video. > **Preparation for Next Session** > Be ready to participate in a story circle and verbally tell your story as a personal narrative, which reflects some aspect of your own teaching and learning. Note that each participant will be limited to 10 minutes to share their own personal narrative and then invite 5 minutes of feedback from other participants. > **Resources** > The instructor will provide:
 * Welcome and overview of the program schedule
 * Overview of DST, viewing examples of digital stories and discussing the importance of clear, concise narrative, script writing and the power of images to convey story.
 * Overview**
 * Examples of digital stories
 * Short clips which talk about the importance of writing a short, concise story and the need for editing
 * Links to other stories and online resources

9 AM – 11:30 AM
> Close > > **Participation in a Story Circle** > Story circles, just as the name implies, are made up of a group of people who gather in a circle to share their stories. Engagement in a story circle can be an intensely personal and emotional experience and successful work in this exercise relies on trust of those in the circle to listen deeply and when asked, share their comments in a positive and constructive manner. In this session, each person will orally share their own personal narrative about some aspect of their own teaching and learning, which they intend to transform into a digital story during this workshop. Each participant will be limited to10 minutes to share their own personal narrative and then invite 5 minutes of feedback from other participants. This session will encourage deep listening and provide each participant with valuable feedback, which will help in editing their original draft into a script of 250 - 300 words. > **Participants should** > Take notes to record feedback on your story and on the stories of others. Reflect upon feedback from the story circle. Identify the key elements of your story and consider ideas expressed in the overall discussion, which may be used to enhance your work. This will help you begin to refine your script and think about 5 - 20 visual images, which represent your key elements and can convey action, mood, etc. and add meaning to your story. > **Resources** >
 * Participants will orally share their initial stories in a "story circle", after which they participate in discussion to refine their story as a script.
 * Overview**
 * Your script
 * Feedback from others
 * Personal notes

9 AM – 11:30 AM

 * Reflect on the last session / Story Circle
 * Script Development Exercise
 * Introduction to Storyboarding
 * Introduction to finding free resources - Images/sounds

Script Development
> Close > > **Script Development** > This session will provide an opportunity to reflect on the story circle experience and see one example of the transition of a story into a short digital story. > **Script Development Activity** > Participants will engage in an exercise that should enable them to condense their story into 250-300 words. > **Participants Should**
 * View “Story Circle” as one approach to telling a story and reflect on the story circle experience
 * 20 minute exercise (tell your story in 250-300 words)
 * Brief consultation with CTE staff as needed
 * Overview**
 * Identify key elements in your individual story
 * Begin to think about how images and sounds might be used to condense the script
 * Participate in an exercise to help reduce the script to about 300 words
 * Resources**
 * Index card provided by the instructor

Storyboarding
> Close > > **Storyboarding / Scripting** > This session introduces participants to "storyboarding" as a means to align portions of their story/script with specific images and sounds. It will become the guide to editing and production of their digital story. The Frytag Triangle will be discussed as a guide to the development of narrative and guide to the flow of a story. > **PREPARATION (prior to next session)** > > **Storyboarding** > Participants will develop their own storyboard and through this process, refine their script and plan for timing in the delivery of specific elements and the overall project. > **Participants Should** > > Know what types of images and sounds you want to use – be prepared to begin searching for resources.
 * Storyboarding will be introduced as a production technique and participants will use this technique to guide the selection, sequence, timing, transition of images, sounds and narration, which they will use to produce a digital story.
 * Hands-on storyboard development
 * Overview**
 * Develop your individual storyboard
 * Begin to define images (types) and sounds (mood)
 * Develop a list keywords and a searching strategy to guide searching for resources
 * Resources**
 * Your draft script
 * Reflection upon the story circle experience
 * Preparation for Session**

Intro to finding free resources - Images/sounds

 * Flickr
 * Google Image
 * FreeSound Project
 * Internet Archives
 * Jumundo Close
 * Overview**

The development of digital stories relies upon the use of images, sounds and music. Many times, storytellers use their own resources, however the stories and the development process can be enhanced and expedited by using existing works of others. This session will introduce participants to some web sites that provide freely available resources through the generosity of others who are willing to share their works through Creative Commons Licensing and attribution. Searching techniques will be demonstrated and the documentation of resources and file management will be emphasized. Continued personal storyboard development and begin searching for images
 * Intro to finding free resources - Images/sounds**
 * Participants Should**
 * Try a few searches along with the instructor to gain basic familiarity with the sites and search techniques
 * Be able to search, select and use resources with appropriate permission and documentation
 * Resources**
 * Creative Commons Licensing - @http://creativecommons.org/
 * Shahi visual dictionary - @http://blachan.com/shahi/
 * Flickr - @http://www.flickr.com/
 * Google Image - @http://www.google.com/imghp
 * FreeSound Project - @http://www.freesound.org/
 * Internet Archives - @http://www.archive.org/
 * Jumendo - @http://www.jamendo.com/en/

9 AM – 11:30 AM
Participants will be introduced to low overhead production techniques and will begin to edit and produce their own stories.

Close
 * Overview**

Participants in DST program are required to use their own laptop computer, during the sessions and while working between sessions. The instructor will introduce free, low-cost and simple editing tools such as MS Movie Maker or iMovie and a couple options for the iPad and online editing. This means that the majority of faculty and students will have access to the tools and with a little effort, will be able to create their own stories, which build on the power of images.
 * Introduction to simple video editing tools and production of a digital story**

Participants will be guided through the basic tools and procedures to create, save, and then output a project as video for distribution. This overview of the process will include hands-on exercises to prepare participants for individual production.
 * Activity**

//Group work with provided images//

Following the instructor overview of the editing process, participants will use a common group of images to see how images are added and narration is recorded. Common elements, such as panning and zooming, transitions, titles, etc. will be demonstrated. We will see how to edit the duration of each image as desired and how to add music or other audio files to enhance the story. Participants experiment toward the creation of their own digital story. CTE staff will be available to consult with you during this time. This work will be continued on personal time over the next two weeks.

Feb. 28, 2014 - PERSONAL WORK & REQUIRED CONSULTATION
Review editing - consult with the instructor Close Participants will share their progress and have their individual consultation with the instructor. This will be both a Q & A session and personal work time. During this 2 week period, participants will be REQUIRED to contact the CTE instructor and set an appointment for personal consultation during this 2-week period (prior to the next session). Former participants have identified that personal consultation at this point in the program is extremely important if not critical to their success. Digital stories may be produced in different file types for different purposes. This session discuss some of the options and will demonstrate how to use YouTube and iTunes U as locations for the distribution of digital stories. This topic will be revisited at a later date, as participants have stories to share.
 * 1) Acquire any additional digital resources needed
 * 2) Personal recording and editing
 * 3) Transform individual script /storyboard into their own digital story
 * 4) Assistance from facilitator(s) as needed
 * 5) Work toward the deadline for sharing your story in “Showtime”
 * Resources**
 * Your personal computer or device with your chosen editor program or app
 * Personal script
 * Storyboard
 * Collected digital resources
 * Headset microphones (recommended)
 * Audacity audio recording/editing software
 * Internet access
 * CTE Staff
 * Distribution of Digital Stories**

Discussion / Work Day Toward Completion of Personal Story
Close We will spend the first portion of the session addressing any questions, which have arisen over the past 2 weeks. This is a great opportunity to share and learn as a group. Many tips are often shared at this time. Participants will continue to work individually on editing and producing a completed story to be shared on March 21, 2014. Group and individual consultation/guidance will be provided as appropriate. We will again, discuss file formats and review the process for saving work and the publication of stories for online distribution.

Sharing Our Stories
Close The goal at this point is not perfection, but an opportunity to celebrate your success, reflect on the journey, invite comments and discussion with your peers and begin to vision where you will go from here. Location and Resources Provided:
 * CTE
 * Projection and audio connections

Discussion and Planning for the Use of DST in Your Own Practice
Close This session will provide the opportunity for participants to share and exchange ideas about developing and incorporating their own (or student generated) digital stories in their teaching practice. We will focus on DST as a means to share narrative stories, provide background information on a particular topic or issue, generate interest and deep reflection, foster insight, encourage discussion and enhance student engagement and learning. We will discuss alternate means of digital storytelling and look at the iPad as a production tool. Following this exchange, each participant will begin development of a second story and a plan for use of digital storytelling during the next semester (Another Story Circle opportunity). This story and plan will be shared during our last session. TWO WEEKS OF PERSONAL PRODUCTION TIME - Participants will be REQUIRED to contact the CTE instructor and set an appointment for personal consultation during this 2-week period (prior to the next session)

Group Discussion / Work Day
Close
 * Hands-on editing, discussion and help.**

This session will provide participants with the opportunity to continue development of their second story and/or implementation plan for incorporating their own (or student generated) digital stories in their teaching practice during the upcoming semester. This will also be an opportunity to continue conversation with peers and for individual consultation with CTE staff.

Sharing Our Stories and Plans for Implementation in Teaching Practice
Close Participants will share the story they have created for use during the upcoming semester and discuss their implementation plan for incorporating their own (or student generated) digital stories in their teaching practice. Implementation in your practice (date for discussion to be established by the group)

Implementation in your practice (date for discussion to be established by the group)
Following implementation (next semester), participants will regroup to discuss and document their experience and impact on their teaching and student engagement. Participants will be encouraged to share their reflection and a copy of their story(ies) with the Center for Teaching Excellence for use as examples for other faculty and possibly present to other interested faculty during a lunch-time discussion.

Advance preparation by participants
The development of a personal narrative requires deep reflection. Through reflection, we can often learn about our past and see new opportunities for our future. Participants are asked to spend time in advance of the first session, to reflect on some aspect of their own teaching and/or learning that they are interested in exploring and sharing. Everyone should arrive at the first session with a draft of his or her personal story. The point is, that the development your story should be a personal narrative and not someone else's story. Examples might be from (but not limited to): During the program, this draft will be refined into a script of about 250-300 words, for narration of a three to four minute digital story. Although the original draft will most likely be longer, participants will learn how to tighten this up as they consider the impact of media on the delivery of a digital story. Participants should frame their story by considering things such as:
 * The impact of some childhood experience which led to your interest in learning and teaching others
 * Your engagement with community projects which have influenced your teaching
 * The path of developing your personal teaching philosophy
 * Some connection between personal events and your desire to learn/teach
 * How working with others in various settings has changed your point of view and impacted your teaching
 * Working with special needs individuals
 * Taking learning into the community
 * An a-ha moment in your own learning/teaching experience
 * Other…
 * View of learning subject
 * Struggling with a concept
 * Most valuable learning experience
 * Greatest moment teaching
 * Note: All participants must have their own laptop for use during the sessions and for exercises and development of their own stories between sessions.