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People are invited, yourself and/or your organization, to endorse the joint call for Listen! - International Day for Sharing Life Stories, on May 16th 2008. The day will be an opportunity for people around the world to gather in community halls, classrooms, public parks, theaters, auditoriums, as well as websites, email exchanges, and virtual environments to hear each other's stories.

Introducing Digital Story Telling in the Classroom

The following is based on my experience introducing the notion of Digital Story Telling to Grade 6's, 7's, 8's and 9's. I contrast the past of sitting around an open fire or a fireplace passing on valuable family stories from one generation to the next to modern multimedia methods. Today they can tell what is important to them using the digital tools that are available. It might be holidays, friends, their family, an activity, an idea, sports or something else they choose. I mention to them that a Digital Story is different to each and everyone. Each of them bring something special to it. I watch their faces and their eyes light up as they think about an idea. I also show them examples of past students Digital Stories and suggest they go through them before they start. I encourage them to plan it out before they begin. I also give them plenty of computer time to work and develop their Digital Story. Students choose their own topic and use iMovie, Moviemaker, music CD's, scanner, digital still and video cameras, and their own voice to create their Digital Stories. The following are sample steps in the DS creation.

1. GETTING STARTED
Brainstorm ideas
Story board ideas
Write the script
Collect materials
Decide on software
Start putting the Digital Story together
Try the Digital Story as you create it.

2. PUTTING the DST TOGETHER
Scan and place pictures
Collect and lay down the music track
Practice and lay down the voice track
Create and insert video clips
Edit, edit, edit !!
Save, save, save !!
Try the Digital Story often !!
Let friends view the Digital Story as you create it !!
Be open to suggestions to improve your Digital Story !!

3. QUESTIONS to ANSWER
Does your Digital Story fit the time limit of 2 minutes ?
Does your Digital Story work for you ?
Does your Digital Story say what you want it to say ?
Does your Digital Story reflect your script ?
Does the voice fit in the right footage ?
Does the music work for the footage selected ?
Is the music level higher/lower than your voice ?

4. Equipment
Computer
Software, eg., iMovie or MS Movie Maker
Scanner
Digital Still Camera
Digital Video Camera
Digital Music
Microphone

What follows is the DST Project, marking scheme and the storyboard template.

Digital Story Telling Project Name: ____________________
Due Date:

Important Notes :

1. Use Windows Movie Maker or iMovie for this project.
2. Make sure you SAVE your Project.
3. You can use the digital still camera, have your pictures scanned, record your own voice and music. Ask if you need anything else.
4. Check out the Digital Story Telling link on the Student Portal for more information and ideas.
5. As well you can check out the link to Windows Movie Maker or iMovie for more information about the program.
   

Plan your Digital Story around a narrative that you want to tell.

Step 1 : Write out your script. Use the script pdf template provided.
Show it to your teacher before you start.
30 Marks _________

Step 2: Become familiar with Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. Bring in your photos to be scanned. Record your voice. Record your music.

Step 3: Create Your Digital Story to include:

Voice ( Your own voice ) 10 marks ________
Digital Imagery (digital or scanned)10 marks ________
Music 5 marks ________
Sound 5 marks ________
Video 5 marks ________

Marks for Extras :

Titling ( Text ) 5 marks ________
Transitions 5 marks ________
Effects 5 marks ________

Spelling, Originality, Attitude, Cooperation 10 marks ________

Finished Product 10 marks ________

Total 100 marks Your Mark ________