Journal 8

Pratt, Nancy. (2009). Digital Storytelling: My Top 10 Lessons Learned. Retrieved July 3, 2009, from http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/06/07/digital-storytelling-my-top-10-lessons-learned/

This article is a blog post from an experienced technology specialist and digital storytelling enthusiast. She was moved deeply by the process of making her first digital story and wants to share the gift with everyone. She says student engagement is high and that they interact with their material with depth.
Briefly, her advice is (in reverse order):

1. Do another project soon after the first, to solidify the skills. The learning curve is high, so don’t lose momentum.
2. Collaborate with other teachers. It speeds up the process and enhances learning.
3. Use parent volunteers and pre-train them.
4. Keep a schedule chart to help students keep on track.
5. Discuss each story through the lens of the 7 elements of storytelling. (http://www.storycenter.org/memvoice/pages/tutorial_1.html) This is a fabulous link.
6. Get the writing in good shape before stating the media.
7. The voice over is difficult and can be time-consuming. Get it right, it’s important.
8. Make the soundtrack last. It’s so much fun, kids can get carried away.
9. Show samples.
10. The prompt is the most important. Rather than “Tell your immigration story…” ask, “How does your immigration story impact you today?”

1. What makes for a good writing prompt?

A good writing prompt introduces a topic, but also asks a question so the student can respond with a point of view and establish a personal context for the story’s action. Ideally, the prompt should address more than one curriculum standard and encourage higher level thinking. It’s best if the prompt contains clear directions.

2. Why stories and what makes them good?

We store memories in the form of stories. Hearing stories, we float through our own memories and derive further meaning for ourselves and our relationships. Good stories are transformational.