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.