Digital Storytelling Across the Curriculum
Allowing students to make a personal connection to their learning allows for deeper understanding. Using a variety of technology tools, students are able tell their stories in new ways. This doesn't need to be a technologically complex project, however structures surrounding planning, researching, writing, and product completion need to be in place to help students be successful. iMovie users Ginny Hoke (Thurston HS) and Connie Opsal (Moffitt Elementary) will be leading a 6-part series to guide other teachers in the implementation of classroom iMovie projects.
- Listen to teacher Ginny Hoke as she describes how she uses blogging and digital storytelling in her high school languages arts class.
- Chocolate — the 2006 movie about child slave labor on the Ivory Coast (fast forward to 4:33) produced by Mabry Middle School students.
Previous participants implemented digital storytelling projects in their classes. Below are some of examples of their students' work.
- Connie Opsal, Moffitt Elementary: A Street Canal by 3rd grade students Jerry and Hector
- Erin Whitlock, Agnes Stewart MS: Treating Pets with Respect by the Cloey, Joe, Seth, Josh, Aaron, Terrance, Shyanne, Roger, and Jeremy
- Sandra Green, Thurston HS: El Medio Ambiente by Spanish students Lindsay and Jenna
- Additional ideas for digital storytelling projects...
Wanted: Teachers who want to implement digital storytelling projects in their classrooms. The focus of this project is to engage students in an authentic learning experience in which research, writing, and oral reading skills are reinforced and that allows for public recognition of their work. These projects can range from a four picture movie with student narration to longer video projects depending upon grade level, time, and teacher technology comfort level.
Target Audience: Teachers of grades K-12
Staff development: Participation in the project is voluntary. College credit may be available.
- Friday, Sept. 4th from 12:30 - 4:00pm — digital storytelling overview/examples; creating a one-minute movie with iMovie; photography tips
- Friday, Oct. 2 from 12:30 - 3:30pm (paid) — storyboard basics/examples; images; audio recording; next steps with iMovie
- Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 3:45 - 4:45 pm — more with iMovie
- Friday, January 15 from 12:30 - 3:30pm (paid) — sound resources; classroom project development; rubrics
- Tuesday, Mar 2 from 3:45 - 4:45 pm — project check-in and follow up assistance
- Tuesday, April 20 from 3:45 - 4:45 pm — project showcase and closure
- additional classroom assistance as needed
We will be meeting at Moffitt Elementary for all trainings unless otherwise noted.
Participants must commit to full participation and attendance of all Cadre sessions and implementing a classroom digital storytelling project. Participating teachers may receive resources to integrate what they learn. Note: Technical support for posting student work will be provided.
Technology Requirements: Please verify that you have iMovie HD installed on your computer prior to first the first meeting.
Application for Participation: The application window for this Cadre is now closed.
See the Digital Storytelling Instructional Resources web page for more information about digital storytelling in the classroom.
Contact Information: 726-3430 or by email for further information.
