Start with an IdeaAll stories begin with an idea, and digital stories are no different. This idea could be the topic of a lesson, a chapter heading in a textbook, or a question asked in class. Digital stories might be fiction or non-fiction. Once you or your student have an idea, make it concrete: write a proposal, craft a paragraph, draw a mind-map, or use any other pre-writing tool.

Brainstorming an idea

Simple Rules For Effective Mind MapsThink of the central idea and write it down in the middle.Think of related ideas and place them radially around the central idea. Connect all ideas with meaningful relationships. Use lines, colored lines, shapes, pictures, etc. to graphically describe ideas and relationships.

Leave lots of space between ideas because new filler ideas and relationships will come in as the mind map grows.Go with the flow.

Mind Mapping example

Mind Mapping example twoMain Idea – The Importance of Exercise

First Subtopic – Exercise makes the physical body healthierDetail – – Positive effect on heart Detail – Positive effect on lungs

Detail – Positive effect on bones and jointsSecond Subtopic – Exercise affects emotional health

Detail – Feelings of accomplishmentDetail – Body imageDetail – Endorphins

Third Subtopic – Different Types Of Exercises and their benefitsDetail – StretchingDetail – Anaerobic

Detail – AerobicFourth Subtopic – Exercise and its benefit throughout life

Detail – AdultsDetail – SeniorsDetail –Children

Conclusion – Wrap up, recap main ideas, and come to a strong conclusion about the topic.

Research/Explore/LearnWhether writing a fiction or nonfiction

digital story, students need to research, explore or learn about the topic in order to create a base of information on which the story will be built. During this process, students learn both about validating information and information bias as they delve deeper into a topic.

Storyboard/PlanGood stories start with a good script, but they don’t end

there. This is where we transition into visual media literacies.

George Lucas once said, “If people aren’t taught the language of sound and images, shouldn’t they be considered as illiterate as if they left college without being able to read or write?”

Storyboarding is the first step towards understanding sound and images. It is the plan or blueprint that will guide decision making about images, video and sound.

Simple storyboards will just have room for images/video and the script. More advanced ones might even include room for transitions, and background music.

What does a storyboard look like?

Partial Story Board example

Gather and Create Images, Audio and Video• This is the “stuff” that makes magic happen and

writing come alive. Using their storyboard as a guide, students will gather – or create – images, audio and video. Everything they choose will impact and set the tone for their digital story. Introduce concepts such as visual hierarchy, tone, and illustration. This is also a great time to talk about Copyright, Fair Use, and Creative Commons. Students should use this time to record themselves reading their scripts. I have often noticed that students rewrite their scripts as they record. Through this step in the process, they become acutely aware of mistakes and poor word choices.

Put It All Together

• This is where the magic happens – where students discover if their storyboard needs tweaking and if they have enough “stuff” to create their masterpiece, blending images, creating unique transitions between video clips, incorporating music or sound effects

Share—You will upload your work to Youtube—email me if you have problems doing that.

Upload

Reflection and Feedback--You will write an evaluative essay on someone’s DS.

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