Monday, March 09, 2009

Digital Storytelling - How to



Learn how to create an original digital story using Windows Movie Maker. Combine original compelling writing, an effective voice and interesting digital stills.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Personal Discovery Story



Here's a personal discovery story from one of my adult educator digital storytelling sessions.

In this story, Ruth uses an effective narrative, connecting images and a heartfelt story about an adventure with her son to bring home what digital storytelling is all about.


Monday, March 02, 2009

DigiTales - The Art of Telling Digital Stories

Bernajean Porter's book arrived this week.

I've followed Bernajean's stories and website for years, used her materials in my workshops and she has been one of my digital storytelling gurus but had never bought her book which was published in 2004. Am I ever glad I did. The magic of Bernajean's website translates to the written words in her book. It is not surprising as she began her career as a writer.

In a recent Commun-it.org discussion with my Will Richardson PLN we were discussing teaching differently, even without computers. The discussion occured just as I was reading the introduction to Bernajean's book. Here's the quote:

On page 3 Bernajean writes: "Anyone crafting or leading a storytelling experience will need to focus their thinking on developing a story first rather than technology. No amount of technology will fix a poorly written or flat, impersonal story. When the digital storytelling is finished, you want your story to be remembered for its soul, not the bells and whistles."

All too often we may lean towards the bells and whistles but we know it is the story that drives the piece. Now I'm wondering why I waited 5 years to buy this book.