Digital Story - Part 2

Overview

The Digital Story assignment is a term-long assignment that has been divided into 2 parts. For this assignment, you will explore a topic that interests you, related to course content. This assignment has been created in two parts.  Part 1 includes selecting a topic, doing the research and creating a storyboard for your story.  At this point you will hand in the assignment for feedback from your instructor. Part 2 of the assignment includes writing the script, narrating and then editing the final project. Each part of the assignment will be handed in as a separate submission. 

A digital story is a short compilation of any kind of digital material that narrates a particular experience. Digital stories may be used to tell any kind of narrative, and can include video, writing, drawing, photos, music, animation and any other kind of digital material. These materials are then compiled in particular ways by the storyteller in order to convey information.

A digital story provides rich opportunities for self-reflection.  For example, education students could create narratives from a memorable learning experience, and then analyze the stories to identify common criteria in positive (or challenging) learning experiences.  Digital storytelling is also a powerful learning tool for intercultural learning.  Students can compare their "stories" with those authored by people from other cultures and life experiences. Students with diverse life experiences can also collaborate using technology without thinking about geographical distances. 

The process of creating a digital story lends itself well for staged student projects. Here’s an example of the story making stages:

1. Select a topic
2. Conduct research
3. Find resources and content
4. Create a storyboard
5. Script the video
6. Narrate the video
7. Edit the final project

Digital Story - Part 2 

For the purposes of this assignment you will create a digital story that touches on one of the following topic areas:

• digital storytelling in education
• a personal narrative exploring a transformative educational experience
• using digital stories for interdisciplinary projects
• problem based learning
• reflection from a practicum experience

Your completed digital story will be at least 3 minutes in length, and no more than 7 minutes total.  

How to complete this assignment 

How you create your project is up to you.  You have the ability to be creative, use tools you are comfortable with, and experiment as needed.  A digital story does not have to be long to be effective.  A digital story can be 2 minutes in length and it can also be 8 minutes in length. There are several technology tools available to use for the creation of a digital story.  Some of the options are listed below. 

After receiving feedback on Part 1 of the assignment you will do the following:

1. Script the video
   • using the storyboard from Part 1 of assignment  - you will create a script for your digital story. It may differ from the original storyboard, but this is all part of the creating and learning process. 
   • choose a digital tool for your story that you are comfortable using
2. Narrate the video
   • Once you are comfortable with your script, you will combine your narration the storyboard from Part 1 of assignment  - you will create a script for your digital story. It may differ from the original storyboard, but this is all part of the creating and learning process.
3. Edit the final project
   • After narrating the video, adding content and images, you will need to edit your video.  The final project should be at least 3 minutes in length, but no longer than 7.  Editing can be a time consuming process, so make sure you have time to make the desired changes. 
   • You'll work on the project throughout the term according to the timeline you've developed for yourself in your Project Proposal. Be sure to mark your calendar with the dates you've set for yourself to accomplish each goal in your proposal.
4. Complete a self reflection 
   • The Self-Assessment needs to be submitted at the same time as you submit your digital story and it is very important. When students have autonomy and choice in the content, process, and product of their learning they become the ‘drivers’ of their own learning. Being able to explain your learning supports your instructor to give you the greatest credit for what you have accomplished, as it provides a window into your thinking. You should not give yourself ‘marks’ on the Self-Assessment – it is a reflective exercise.
5. Part 2 of Assignment - includes the following submissions
   • Digital Story script
     • include your references on the script
   • Completed Digital Story
     • minimum 3 minutes in length, maximum 7 minutes
   • Self Reflection  
     • maximum 250 words

Sample

Video: Hans Tullman (2015). Digital Storytelling by Hans Tullman. 

Tools for Digital Stories 

• Book Creator (Links to an external site.)
• Audacity 
• Canva (Links to an external site.)
• ThingLink
• Adobe Spark

How to submit this assignment