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- Story Title
School (s): YW and YC Schools Across Asia
Project Summary:
Digital Stories are easy and fun videos put together on the computer that combine pictures/ illustrations, audio and text in a story that communicates a valuable lesson. Here is a sample video one of our year 7 students created a few years back to communicate the major values around Chinese New Year. (click on video below).
Step One: Introduce the mini- project- You can introduce the project by sharing a sample digital story or by sharing the need to update old stories/ fables for the modern digital savvy generation.
Step Two: Divide students into groups– The next step is to divide students into groups of 3-4. You can either choose groups or have students choose. Let them know that each student will be responsible for one of the following roles:
- Illustrator (draws or gather pictures)
- Videographer (films scenes)
- StoryWriter (writes script)
- StoryTeller (records story)
Step Three: Provide a storyboard planner- Some students will benefit from a storyboard planner to plan their story. Here is a good template.
Step Four: Gather visuals to tell the story- Once the storyboard is complete, have students gather visuals that communicate the message in the story.
Step Five: Write Script- Have students write the script around the storyboard and visuals. They will read this script when recording the story on the computer.
Step Six: Load the visuals/ illustrations in Imovie or PowerPoint- If using Imovie, have students load the visuals in the order they wish to tell the story. If using .ppt, have students place the visuals on separate slides.
Step Seven: Record the story– The final step is to have students record the story in a silent space. I usually send students to a quiet room. If you are feeling very creative, get some old cardboard boxes and have students stick the computer and their heads inside to create a sound proof mini-room. ;)
Step Eight: Edit and gain feedback with peers– After the story is complete, have students edit the stories with peer groups. Place each computer on a long table with a corresponding pair of headphones. Students can rotate to hear each others’ stories. (Alternative: Have each group present to the class) Leave sticky notes for ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ feedback.
Driving Question: How do we use written and visual media to communicate the values of Chinese New Year?
Public Product/ Performance: A digital story with script, audio and illustrations to share with a public audience of the student’s choosing. Here is a sample final digital story.
Content Covered:
- Narrative Writing (both Chinese and English)
- Speaking/ Listening Skills and Literary Comprehension (Chinese and English)
- Visual Arts/ Media
- Technology Integration (Imovie, .ppt/ keynote, apps, story creator)
Contact Teacher (s): Kyle Wagner at kylewagner@transformschool.com.