Readings
The “Cookbook”
The Center for Digital Storytelling released a sixty page “Cookbook” for teachers and students alike. The text is approachable and thorough, including the following seven chapters:
1 Stories in Our Lives………………………………………………1
2 Seven Steps of Digital Storytelling………………………..9
3 Approaches to Scripting……………………………………..25
4 Storyboarding…………………………………………………….31
5 Digitizing Story Elements …….. …………………………..36
6 Introduction to Photoshop Elements …………………44
7 Introduction to Final Cut Express………………………..60
Working Narratives
The Working Narratives collective has produced a free Strategic Guide to Storytelling for Social Change online. The guide includes sections on introductory ideas, strategies, selecting compelling content, methods, structuring, reflection, and case studies.
Media
This short video by WeVideo is a good way to introduce students to the basic steps of planning a digital story.
Assignments
Digital Storytelling Assignment Packet
Click here to download a .docx copy of a complete Digital Storytelling assignment packet by Dr. Dan Trudeau. This complete assignment packet includes an overview, formatting suggestions, ethical considerations, examples of topical links to get students going, technical considerations, and a timeline scaffolding the project. The related rubric is available here. Check out other approaches to assessment on our assessment page.
Prospectus and Storyboard Instructions
This assignment prompts students to generate a thoughtful prospectus about their project, think carefully about managing their time, and produce a storyboard. Click here to download a .docx copy.
PowerPoint Template
Download this PowerPoint presentation template for creating a digital story to provide to students.
Digital Personal Narrative Assignment
This assignment asks students to create a digital story about their own educational experiences and includes steps on prewriting, scripting, editing, and reflection.
Peer Review Forms
For sample language to provide students for conducting peer review on a video, click here, and here for sample language on evaluating team member participation.
