Filming for deeper meaning...

Having students create and edit video has many implications. As a library media specialist, my work with students in understanding and enjoying literature can be greatly enhanced. I have students do several book talks throughout the year. The talks follow a formula that can get a bit routine. There are several ways I can think of that can make book talks more meaningful:

• Students can film each other giving their talk in order to critique their presentation.
• Students could locate pictures/and or video clips that lead to deeper levels of understanding when presenting their story.
• Student can shoot original video, acting out scenes from the story.
• Students can film interviews with people who are reacting to the story.

When going through the process of using film editing skills, students are pushed to higher levels of thinking and deeper levels of understanding. Editing film slows down the process of creating a product and causes kids to make deliberate choices in getting their point across. The result is a richer presentation that will have more meaning to the creator and the audience.

over my head...

There are days when I feel like I am over my head. there are so many digital tools that I am not familiar with. Everything is so cool for working with kids, but the time to sort it all out is limited. A lot has come at me in the past few weeks. I do like VoiceThread but will like it more when I have time to work out all the kinks. The Digitale chapters have convinced me that telling stories in a digital format are transforming and necessary for capturing the history and culture of the times we are in. The applications for students are endless. The academic implications are impressive, but giving students the means to creatively explore the fabric of their lives is even more valuable.

I am especially challenged, confused and troubled by all of the copyright issues I have read about this week. the constraints of copyright tempt students (and teachers) to either ignore the rules, or avoid creating digital stsories all together. I am hoping in the remaining weeks of this class to sort out the ins and outs of copyright and to feel more secure in being a resource to my colleagues on this topic.

Beginning with baby steps...

Digital storytelling is beginning to be the way my family is preserving stories. As I learn more and do more, the possibilities for using digital storytelling in my school seem endless. We are preparing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our school. Some students have begun recording interviews with parents and grandparents who have graduated from our school. This raw material could be the basis for an adventure in digital storytelling. I will continue to follow the evolution of this project and post updates on this blog.