Digital+Storytelling+for+the+Guided+Learner

=Faculty Guide to Creating and Sharing Digital Story(ies) for Deeper Learning= //**A WORK IN PROGRESS - under constant development as I find relevant resources and enhance my own learning.**// //I am glad to share the information on this page, but I will maintain editing control for use in my own course development.//

This space will address the needs of faculty who are interested in the the development and incorporation of Digital Storytelling (DST) in their practice, but who wish to get started outside of the context of a scheduled face-to-face program. It may lead to development of an online learning community (which may include some face-to-face meetings). I intend to guide learners to various resources and tools, with which they may create their own stories. I am particularly interested in exploring the capabilites of smartphones, the iPad and other portable devices for the creation of digital stories which use both still images and video.


 * Focus on Story**

Guiding Questions

 * Why do you want to tell a particular story?
 * Who is the target audience?
 * How can student created stories (individually and collaboratively) add value to the class? Student engagement? Participation by others outside the class?
 * What changes when you reduce the time allowed?
 * What changes when the script is limited to 250 words?
 * What can you do with 5 images? - see flickr group [|Tell a Story in 5 Frames] (related group [|Tell a Story in 6 Words])
 * How can stories be used educationally? And, how might digital storytelling relate to Bloom's Taxonomy?

Work on computers or laptops (with more robust software) Work entirely on mobile devices Work on a combination of devices to capture, curate, edit and produce final video
 * Approaches**

Doodling in Math: Spirals, Fibonacci, and Being a Plant (1 of 3) = =
 * Example Digital Stories**

The selection of tools (i.e. software or online editors, etc.) for the creation of various media elements and the overall production of a digital story range from very simple to very complex. In education, the desire is generally to find tools which are free (or low cost) and easy to use (require little time to learn). The primary focus of information in this Wiki will focus on that need.
 * Finding Tools**

WebQuests It is impossible for one individual to provide the best guidance (much less be an expert) in every conceivable device, platform, program, App, etc. For this reason, I will share what I know, what I learn and rely on the experience and expertise of others to guide learners on paths of interest. I will encourage learners to use of WebQuests and engage sharing, discussion and peer-to-pear critique.)

Note that it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed with the glut of tools that are available (As exemplified by Alan Levine's, //50+Ways to Tell a Story//).
 * Keep it simple!** Focus on the goal of digital story... not every bell and whistle which technology can provide. Yes, let those who are experienced with digital technologies employ their skills and encourage self-study by those learners who are genuinely interested in higher levels of production.


 * Self-help Tutorials**

The foundation of my digital storytelling is rooted on my experience at the Center for Digital Storytelling (CDS) and information in the CDS's //**[|Digital Storytelling Cookbook]**// This link provides both a means to order the Cookbook and a link to preview the actual content. Feel free to try the preview before purchasing. (note: the link to the preview is near the bottom of the page) This is the part which focuses on the development of story and some production ideas to convey your story. The second part, (which you must purchase) focuses on one editing tool (I believe that is Final Cut Express).

//**Microsoft's Digital Storytelling in the Classroom**// (PDF) Faculty or students may download this overview of digital storytelling and get good guidance about why and how to produce digital stories for use in education. It focuses on digital story as a means to engage learners in research, writing, storytelling and enhancing technical skills to share stories in a digital format. Although it addresses digital storytelling on the PC platform, the information about the elements of creating digital stories is applicable to the Mac (simply use iMovie for the Mac). In addition, the fundamentals will apply to the creation of stories on the iPhone, iPad or other devices. Don't get locked into platform or software! Focus on the story and how media and techniques can be used to enable you to tell your story.


 * Creating and/or Gathering Resources**


 * Images**


 * Video**
 * Helpful Tools and/or Tutorials for Video Production**

[[@http://youtu.be/ODPLhxkEMbc|iPad Tripod Mount: Discover How To Shoot, Edit, & Upload A Video W/ An iPad In 10 Minutes ]]

iMovie - product information and getting started

iMovie - Apple iMovie tutorials Find out how to get started and use progressive links to enhance your video.

iMovie for iPad 2: Tutorial (also works on iPhone4)

IMovie for iPad Tutorial

[|iPad Photography App: ReelDirector: Adorama Photography TV‬‏ - YouTube] Great video overview of the ReelDirectory editing tool/process. Note: the importing of assets may have been made easier since this video was created. I shot video on the street and incorporated that and still images stored on my iPad2 with ease. I literally opened the app, shot some test video and started editing as i walked to my office. Great potential for student work.

Microsoft MS Movie Maker - getting started and various related links

Vimeo School - @http://vimeo.com/videoschool

Audacity - Free software for sound recording and editing. See an Introduction to Audacity which I have created to help you get started. [|Audacity Download] Download the free software for PC or Mac.
 * Sound**

Simple Editors iPhone Apps iPad Apps Other smartphone or device editors More robust editors for use on computers
 * Editing**

Working on digital pads

In addition to the production of story(ies), the accompanying question is "where can these stories be placed (hosted) in order that the instructor and/or other students may see them?" A secondary concern is the ability to control who may see the story(ies). Finding a site which "streams" video is preferred (see //streaming//), as it enables viewers to view the files without downloading the entire file before playing.
 * Sharing Stories - "Where can faculty or student put (host) their digital stories to be shared with others?"**

YouTube is a popular site for sharing short videos/stories. Generally, videos are limited to 5 minutes in length.

In addition to YouTube, there are a variety of services listed on List of Video Hosting Services This list is provided via Wikipedia

Screencasting Sites compared

Vimeo

Vimeo School - @http://vimeo.com/videoschool