Digital Storytelling

Margaret VassICT Curriculum Support Officer

Falkirk Council Education Services

Introduction

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“Digital Storytelling” uses digital tools to help tell stories.

It can be effectively applied to almost any subject.

More Information

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A digital story typically begins with a script. The storyteller then assembles media to support the ideas in that script, including images, music or other audio effects and voice.

Digital storytelling caters for a variety of learning styles.

Storytelling ideas

Think small and stay focussed: The story should be between 3 to 5 minutes long at the most.

It might be: A story about someone important: It could be a

character story of someone who is admired. A story about an event in your life: perhaps a

journey, an achievement or a struggle A story about a place in your life: For example,

the country or town that you live in.

A Starting Point

Select a topic for a digital story. Think about the purpose – are you trying to inform, convince, provoke, question, etc.

Now you can start to think about the script. Begin by jotting down ideas. Discuss your ideas with others. Play out a rough story in your head.

The Script

Sketch out what you will narrate. Stories with the human voice added, as well as images and music can make them more personal

Remember that all stories have a beginning, a middle and an end

Read your script to a friend when it’s finished and redraft if necessary

Recording the Script

4. Record the narration of your script. Small, portable mp3 players with built in microphones are ideal for this.

5. Import the narration into Audacity

6. Export as an mp3 file

Including an interview?

Know how to use your equipment before you begin

Have a trial ‘chat’ before you begin to make sure the equipment is working

Make sure you are in a quiet location Don’t make noises like ‘uh huh?’ etc.

while the interviewee is talking.

Use visual cues instead

– like a nod of the head.

Image Resources

Collect image resources for the story. These can include pictures, drawings, photographs, maps, charts, etc.

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Organising Images

Windows Movie Maker or Photostory3 can be used to organise your images before publishing.

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Publishing the Story

Import the selected images in to Window’s Movie Maker. Modify the number of images/order of images, if necessary.

Import any audio file

Add title and credits

Finalise the story by exporting it as a video file.

Ways to Share the Story

Microsoft Photo Story 3 for WindowsWindows Movie MakerComic Lifehttp://photopeach.com/ …. and a whole

host of other free web based tools

Some Useful Tools

Mp3 players with built in microphones are inexpensive and also very portable. The Philips ‘Go gear’ model is good quality and can be as little as £5 each.

Flip video cameras are very user friendly and

Prices start at about £70