Digital Storytelling

What is digital storytelling?  Diaz and Fields write, “A digital story is simply a story told using some combination of still and moving digital images, digital voiceover narrative, and digital music” (2007).  Even with all the social media and technology available, digital stories help people make deeper connections with others than other popular forums, like blogs or wikis.  Maybe it is because we can actually hear the storyteller’s voice?  Listening to stories causes empathy because “…listeners are better able to imagine themselves in the teller’s place and time…”(Diaz & Fields, 2007).

Why should the media center specialist care?  Digital storytelling can help the media center make deeper connections in the community.  Diaz & Fields say, “Managing information can no longer be our only occupation.  We must incorporate new roles of helping users to find meaning in information, to care about it, and to develop empathy from it” (2007).  Finding ways for people to share their stories and feel like valued members of the community is something that can only benefit the media center.  The media center can become a haven for people to visit, learn, care, and ultimately find acceptance and commonalities amongst society and their peers.   Due to Hollywood movies and television shows, sometimes it seems like storytelling is better left to professionals.  Digital story telling is a way to give a voice back to the common man.  Digital storytelling can help create local “celebrities” and brings stories that would otherwise remain untold to anyone who wants to listen.

The Seven Elements of digital storytelling:

• ·         Point (of view)

• ·         Dramatic question

• ·         Emotional content

• ·         The gift of your voice

• ·         The power of the soundtrack

• ·         Economy

• ·         Pacing

There are seven elements of storytelling.  Each one is important, and storytellers should consider them as they craft their stories.  The point is the reason why the story is being told, whereas point of view is actually the viewpoint of the author.  The dramatic question works like a hook to grab the attention of the listener and keep them interested until the end.  The emotional content helps the listener connect to the storyteller because it helps them distinguish the importance of the story over some common place day to day tale.  The gift of your voice refers to the individuality we each have—no one could tell your life story better than you could.  The power of the soundtrack refers to any music the author may add to the background in order to enhance the meaning of his or her story.  Economy means how direct or to the point the story is.  Since digital stories tend to run 3-5 minutes, time is of the essence, and the author must use details, but not ramble on ruining the clarity.  Finally, pacing refers to the differences in speed of the storyteller’s voice and even the length of time certain pictures are shown.  It is important that the pace varies in places because it will help keep the attention of the listener.

Making a digital story can be fun or even cathartic.  It may reach thousands of people or maybe just a few.  One thing is clear: it tends to bring people together, and that is always a good thing.

The following is a list of required hardware and software:

• ·         Computer (preferably with a DVD burner)

• ·         Digital camera

• ·         Scanner

• ·         USB microphone

• ·         Tabletop microphone stand

• ·         Photo editing software (for instance, iPhoto or Photoshop)

• ·         Sound recording software (for instance, Sound Studio, GarageBand, or Audacity)

• ·         Video editing software (for instance, iMovie or Adobe Premier)

• ·         Optional: digital video camera, headphones

References

Diaz, K., & Fields, A.  (2007).  Digital storytelling, libraries, and community.  In Courtney, N. (Ed.), Library  2.0 and beyond:  Innovative technologies and tomorrow’s user (129-139).  Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Digital Storytelling

After reading the text and viewing the University of Houston's Digital Storytelling website, I must say I am excited to begin my Digital Storytelling Resource Kit.  Digital storytelling provides a new spin on storytelling, in which digital graphics, text, recorded audio narration, video, and music are combined as a movie to tell a story. There are several types of digital storytelling, such as personal narratives, stories that inform or instruct, and stories that examine historical themes or events. Most digital stories revolve around a theme.  For example, I watched a digital story about the Holocaust. 

In order to create a digital story, you can use Photo Story, Movie Maker, iMovie, or Power Point.  After reading, The 7 Elements of Storytelling, I learned that you should consider the following elements when designing a digital story:

• Point of View
• A Dramatic Question
• Emotional Content
• The Gift of Your Voice
• The Power of the Soundtrack
• Economy
• Pacing

Digital Storytelling can be an effective tool for teachers to use to aid in instruction.  Teachers can use digital stories as a lesson hook or as a way to make learning more meaningful.  The visual aspect of digital storytelling will be beneficial for many students.  Digital storytelling can be a wonderful tool to facilitate classroom discussion as well.  Students can create their own digital stories, which would improve their abilities in research, writing, presentation, organization, and problem solving skills. Some challenges that teachers and students may face when creating digital stories include issues with copyright, access to the necessary hardware and software, and time constraints. 

Here is an example of a student created digital story:
Student Example
                                               

Tech-no! We won't go!

Technology can be a fearful thing to those unfamiliar with its wonders.

In the school where I volunteer, it seems like the teachers are always calling the poor tech specialist to come fix a problem in the classroom.  Most issues in this county are handled by tech specialists rather than the media specialist, but I can see where being familiar with the devices would be beneficial. For one thing, the media specialist should be able to diagnose her own technology problems. For another, it’s just faster to do the job yourself rather than have to wait to fit into someone else’s schedule.

In chapter 13 of Technology and the School Library, Odin Jurkowski explains that the knowledge of technology should be shared rather than hoarded. Librarians, since they have the knowledge, get the privilege of sharing information with teachers. Jurkowski suggests teachers should participate in periodic training to learn more about all kinds of technology devices and software such as digital cameras and recorders, tablets, smart phones, electronic white boards, the OPAC and much more.

This could be a daunting task, though, with so many possible topics. Another suggestion is to create instructional handouts. These can be used with a lesson or to stand alone. The handouts should be one page with vivid colors that differentiate the points. Jurkowski suggests using short, easy sentences and screen captures or images.

I think it would be a good idea to compile a notebook of these handouts. Notes could be revised as teachers find extra tips and shortcuts to share.  Having one central, updated book of tips would make it easier to share it with new teachers when they arrive.