Digital Storytelling:Integrated-Skills Projects that Engage Language Learners & Promote Deep Learning, Self Expression in L2 :Digital Storytelling:Integrated-Skills Projects that Engage Language Learners & Promote Deep Learning, Self Expression in L2 Ruth Gay, Kristi Reyes Noncredit ESL Department MiraCosta College Community Learning Center


What are digital stories? :What are digital stories? Digital stories are multi-media projects that combine images and/or video with audio recordings (voice-over narration) and/or music and sound effects and can be used across the curriculum.


Types of digital stories :Types of digital stories personal stories of recovery, loss, accomplishment adventure, discovery tribute/memorial, characters work, a place, love … but students can digitize just about any oral or written assignment (adapted from http://www.storycenter.org/memvoice/pages/cookbook.html)


Buts… :Buts… My students are beginners! Simple self introduction? Favorites? Daily activities? Autobiography? My students aren’t tech savvy! Demo step by step in a lab Pair up or arrange small groups with one tech-savvy student We have only one computer! Pair/Team projects


Why have students do digital story projects? :Why have students do digital story projects? Authentic way to practice a language – speaking (pronunciation), writing, visual and media literacy, technology Motivational and engaging, sometimes therapeutic Creative expression / applies to a variety of learning styles Application of 21st Century Skills: time management, self-direction, teamwork/collaboration, problem solving (adapted from The Art of Digital Storytelling ebook http://www.ebookhost.net/tldmc2/ebook.html)


The process of making digital stories: Step 1 :The process of making digital stories: Step 1 Choose a topic Helpful for students to view sample of what is expected Assign a topic or let students choose their own Best digital stories are written in 1st person (I, Yo, Je, etc.) For an extensive list of topics, see http://snipurl.com/digistoryideas


The process of making digital stories: Step 2 :The process of making digital stories: Step 2 2. Write a script Differences between an essay and a script (meant to be recited, not read) Show a digital story with its script Most scripts 1 page double-spaced; max. 3 minutes Writing process: feedback on content first; mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation) in subsequent drafts Use a checklist (self-checklist or for instructor feedback) or rubric or peer review


The process of making digital stories: Step 3 :The process of making digital stories: Step 3 3. Practice read-alouds With instructor, in pairs, or in small groups or have ss record selves and listen Feedback on pronunciation, intonation, stress, volume, need for pauses, higher volume, etc. Stress “art” of storytelling = using one’s voice effectively Provide good and bad examples


The process of making digital stories: Step 4 :The process of making digital stories: Step 4 4. Make a storyboard Plan for the digital story Saves time when searching for / creating images and soundtrack (audio sound effects, music)


The process of making digital stories: Step 5 :The process of making digital stories: Step 5 5. Record voice-over narration and mix soundtrack (with sound effects, music) Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) –free with online manuals, video tutorials Windows Movie Maker, PhotoStory, other programs have built-in recording functions; PowerPoint slides can be narrated


The process of making digital stories: Step 6 :The process of making digital stories: Step 6 6. Compile images Original artwork (scanned) Digital photos Clip art


The process of making digital stories: Step 7 :The process of making digital stories: Step 7 7. Use a computer program to do the project Options PowerPoint Movie Maker PhotoStory Adobe Premiere Other commercial video editing software Online tools (Jaycut, VoiceThread, etc.) iMovie (Apple) Windows Movie Maker:


The process of making digital stories: Step 8 :The process of making digital stories: Step 8 8. Add titles, credits, transitions, special effects (as the program used allows); synchronize audio with images


The process of making digital stories: Step 9 :The process of making digital stories: Step 9 9. View “rough cuts” & provide feedback Whole class, peer, or one-on-one instructor to student Checklist or form Follow up with final revisions / editing


The process of making digital stories: Step 10 :The process of making digital stories: Step 10 10. Final saving, rendering, publishing (burning digital story to DVD or posting online with students’ permission), viewing, celebrating, and evaluating projects We use a rubric for evaluating student digital story projects (email us for sample)


ESL Student Samples :ESL Student Samples See blog at mccdigitalstory.blogspot.com/


Questions? :Questions? See blog at mccdigitalstory.blogspot.com/ with links to scoring rubric, class Web pages, sample assignments, tech info, more If you need assistance or have questions in the future, please feel free to email us at rgay@miracosta.edu or kreyes@miracosta.edu