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Bernard R Robin
and
Sara G. McNeil
Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling introduces educators to digital storytelling and explores ways to use digital stories to enhance students’ learning experiences. The course is designed to be comprehensive yet fundamental. By comprehensive we mean that the course provides a solid foundation for all of the components of a digital story and illustrates these components with tutorials, example stories, and links to additional readings. The course also provides a hands-on opportunity for learners to create their own digital stories. The course is fundamental because it covers the basic process of creating a digital story starting with just a simple script and as little as one image.
Read more
Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling introduces educators to digital storytelling and explores ways to use digital stories to enhance students’ learning experiences. The course is designed to be comprehensive yet fundamental. By comprehensive we mean that the course provides a solid foundation for all of the components of a digital story and illustrates these components with tutorials, example stories, and links to additional readings. The course also provides a hands-on opportunity for learners to create their own digital stories. The course is fundamental because it covers the basic process of creating a digital story starting with just a simple script and as little as one image.
Read more
Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling introduces educators to digital storytelling and explores ways to use digital stories to enhance students’ learning experiences. The course is designed to be comprehensive yet fundamental. By comprehensive we mean that the course provides a solid foundation for all of the components of a digital story and illustrates these components with tutorials, example stories, and links to additional readings. The course also provides a hands-on opportunity for learners to create their own digital stories. The course is fundamental because it covers the basic process of creating a digital story starting with just a simple script and as little as one image.
This course is intended for K-12 teachers in all disciplines, although it is open to anyone with an interest in digital storytelling. Course participants will use WeVideo (https://www.wevideo.com/), a free web-based video editing program, to create a digital story that could be shared both online and with students in the classroom. Teachers in the state of Texas may be eligible to receive Continuing Professional Education units if they complete the major requirements of the course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/f243mb/powerful
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What's inside
Syllabus
WEEK 1: Choosing a Topic and Defining your Purposes
Week 1 introduces you to the basics of digital storytelling. You will explore the fundamental elements of a good digital story and review examples used by educators across a varied curriculum. By the end of this week, you will be able to choose a topic and define the purpose of a digital story you will create for your classroom or informal learning setting. You may access the course materials for this week from the links below, or from the navigation bar on the left side of this page.
Read more
Syllabus
WEEK 1: Choosing a Topic and Defining your Purposes
Week 1 introduces you to the basics of digital storytelling. You will explore the fundamental elements of a good digital story and review examples used by educators across a varied curriculum. By the end of this week, you will be able to choose a topic and define the purpose of a digital story you will create for your classroom or informal learning setting. You may access the course materials for this week from the links below, or from the navigation bar on the left side of this page.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills to teach and students effectively with digital storytelling
Designed to provide fundamental knowledge for creating digital stories
Taught by educators who are experienced and knowledgeable in digital storytelling
Hands-on learning opportunity to practice and improve storytelling
Eligible for Continuing Professional Education units which may be beneficial for teachers in certain cases
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Practical digital storytelling for educators
According to learners, this course provides a clear, step-by-step process for learning digital storytelling, which is highly relevant for educators. Students particularly appreciated the hands-on project of creating their own story, finding it solidifies learning. The course covers valuable skills like scriptwriting and finding Creative Commons resources. While the content is generally well-received and provides a solid foundation, some learners mentioned technical challenges with software installation or the limitations of free tools like WeVideo. Overall, it's seen as a very practical and effective course, especially for those new to the topic.
Covers scriptwriting, Creative Commons, tools.
"I especially liked the focus on scriptwriting and finding Creative Commons resources legally."
"Learning about Creative Commons was particularly helpful."
"The framework provided is solid. ... Scripting and storyboarding modules were highlights."
Creating a story solidifies learning.
"The project of creating your own story solidified the learning."
"The hands-on aspect is great."
"Creating my own story was the highlight."
Highly applicable for classroom and teaching.
"Highly recommend for educators looking to incorporate digital media."
"Useful for integrating technology into teaching."
"Focus on creating a story for educational use is spot on."
Clearly guides through digital storytelling steps.
"It provides a clear, step-by-step process for creating digital stories."
"The step-by-step guidance makes it easy to follow."
"It broke down the process into manageable steps."
Some struggled with software installation/use.
"My main struggle was with the free version of WeVideo, which has some limitations, and getting Audacity set up on my specific computer."
"The technical sections felt a bit outdated or perhaps too basic. ... required external searching for technical help."
"Had significant issues getting Audacity to work... Ended up dropping the course because I couldn't complete the technical steps."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling with these
activities:
Review Educational Theory in Digital Storytelling
Show steps
Reviewing educational theory in digital storytelling will help you understand the underlying principles and best practices for effective digital storytelling in educational contexts.
Browse courses on
Educational Technology
Show steps
-
Read articles and book chapters on educational theory and digital storytelling.
-
Attend webinars or workshops on the topic.
-
Discuss educational theory with peers or instructors.
Review Digital Storytelling Fundamentals
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of digital storytelling will help you build a strong foundation for creating engaging and effective digital stories in this course.
Browse courses on
Digital Storytelling
Show steps
-
Read the course syllabus and introduction materials.
-
Watch online tutorials or videos on digital storytelling.
-
Explore different digital storytelling platforms and tools.
Explore Digital Storytelling Techniques
Show steps
Following guided tutorials will provide you with hands-on experience in applying digital storytelling techniques, enhancing your ability to create compelling digital stories.
Browse courses on
Storyboarding
Show steps
-
Follow online tutorials on storyboarding and digital editing.
-
Experiment with different digital storytelling techniques in practice.
-
Seek feedback on your digital storytelling techniques from peers or instructors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Digital Storyboard
Show steps
Creating a digital storyboard will help you visualize and plan the structure and flow of your digital story, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Browse courses on
Story Development
Show steps
-
Identify the key elements and sequence of your story.
-
Create a visual representation of your storyboard using sketches or digital tools.
-
Seek feedback on your storyboard and make necessary revisions.
Attend Digital Storytelling Workshops
Show steps
Attending digital storytelling workshops will provide you with opportunities to engage with experts, learn new techniques, and further develop your skills in a collaborative environment.
Browse courses on
Interactive Learning
Show steps
-
Research and identify digital storytelling workshops that align with your interests.
-
Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
-
Connect with other attendees and share knowledge and experiences.
Share and Critique Digital Stories
Show steps
Sharing and critiquing digital stories with peers will provide you with valuable feedback and perspectives, helping you refine and improve your storytelling skills.
Browse courses on
Peer Review
Show steps
-
Participate in peer review sessions to share and discuss your digital stories.
-
Provide constructive feedback to your peers, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
-
Incorporate feedback into your digital stories to enhance their quality and impact.
Produce a Final Digital Story
Show steps
Producing a final digital story will allow you to apply all the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the course, resulting in a tangible representation of your learning.
Show steps
-
Gather and organize your materials, including visuals, audio, and text.
-
Use digital storytelling software to assemble your digital story.
-
Refine and finalize your digital story, ensuring it meets the course requirements and objectives.
Review Educational Theory in Digital Storytelling
Show steps
Reviewing educational theory in digital storytelling will help you understand the underlying principles and best practices for effective digital storytelling in educational contexts.
Browse courses on
Educational Technology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles and book chapters on educational theory and digital storytelling.
- Attend webinars or workshops on the topic.
- Discuss educational theory with peers or instructors.
Review Digital Storytelling Fundamentals
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of digital storytelling will help you build a strong foundation for creating engaging and effective digital stories in this course.
Browse courses on
Digital Storytelling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the course syllabus and introduction materials.
- Watch online tutorials or videos on digital storytelling.
- Explore different digital storytelling platforms and tools.
Explore Digital Storytelling Techniques
Show steps
Following guided tutorials will provide you with hands-on experience in applying digital storytelling techniques, enhancing your ability to create compelling digital stories.
Browse courses on
Storyboarding
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow online tutorials on storyboarding and digital editing.
- Experiment with different digital storytelling techniques in practice.
- Seek feedback on your digital storytelling techniques from peers or instructors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Digital Storyboard
Show steps
Creating a digital storyboard will help you visualize and plan the structure and flow of your digital story, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Browse courses on
Story Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key elements and sequence of your story.
- Create a visual representation of your storyboard using sketches or digital tools.
- Seek feedback on your storyboard and make necessary revisions.
Attend Digital Storytelling Workshops
Show steps
Attending digital storytelling workshops will provide you with opportunities to engage with experts, learn new techniques, and further develop your skills in a collaborative environment.
Browse courses on
Interactive Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify digital storytelling workshops that align with your interests.
- Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
- Connect with other attendees and share knowledge and experiences.
Share and Critique Digital Stories
Show steps
Sharing and critiquing digital stories with peers will provide you with valuable feedback and perspectives, helping you refine and improve your storytelling skills.
Browse courses on
Peer Review
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Participate in peer review sessions to share and discuss your digital stories.
- Provide constructive feedback to your peers, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
- Incorporate feedback into your digital stories to enhance their quality and impact.
Produce a Final Digital Story
Show steps
Producing a final digital story will allow you to apply all the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the course, resulting in a tangible representation of your learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and organize your materials, including visuals, audio, and text.
- Use digital storytelling software to assemble your digital story.
- Refine and finalize your digital story, ensuring it meets the course requirements and objectives.
Career center
Learners who complete Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers play a vital role in designing, developing, and delivering educational materials. As an Instructional Designer, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for learners. You would be responsible for understanding the learning objectives, identifying appropriate resources, and developing engaging activities that promote learning. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers are responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating educational programs and materials. As a Curriculum Developer, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for learners. You would be responsible for understanding the learning objectives, identifying appropriate resources, and developing engaging activities that promote learning. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants provide guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations. As an Educational Consultant, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to help educators develop and implement effective digital storytelling strategies in their classrooms. You would be responsible for assessing the needs of educators, providing training, and developing resources to support the use of digital storytelling in the classroom. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coaches provide support and guidance to teachers to help them improve their teaching practices. As an Instructional Coach, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to help teachers develop and implement effective digital storytelling strategies in their classrooms. You would be responsible for assessing the needs of teachers, providing training, and developing resources to support the use of digital storytelling in the classroom. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Educational Media Specialist
Educational Media Specialist
Educational Media Specialists are responsible for managing and integrating technology into the curriculum. As an Educational Media Specialist, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to help teachers develop and implement effective digital storytelling strategies in their classrooms. You would be responsible for assessing the needs of teachers, providing training, and developing resources to support the use of digital storytelling in the classroom. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers are responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction to students. As a Teacher, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for your students. You would be responsible for understanding the learning objectives, identifying appropriate resources, and developing engaging activities that promote learning. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Instructional Technologist
Instructional Technologist
Instructional Technologists are responsible for integrating technology into the curriculum and providing support to teachers and students. As an Instructional Technologist, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to help teachers develop and implement effective digital storytelling strategies in their classrooms. You would be responsible for assessing the needs of teachers, providing training, and developing resources to support the use of digital storytelling in the classroom. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Learning Designer
Learning Designer
Learning Designers are responsible for designing, developing, and delivering learning experiences. As a Learning Designer, you would use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for learners. You would be responsible for understanding the learning objectives, identifying appropriate resources, and developing engaging activities that promote learning. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Education Researcher
Education Researcher
Education Researchers conduct research on teaching and learning to improve educational practices. As an Education Researcher, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to investigate the effectiveness of digital storytelling in the classroom. You would be responsible for designing and conducting research studies, analyzing data, and disseminating your findings. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Media Producer
Media Producer
Media Producers are responsible for planning, producing, and distributing media content. As a Media Producer, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for a variety of audiences. You would be responsible for understanding the needs of your audience, developing a production plan, and managing the production process. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Storytelling Consultant
Storytelling Consultant
Storytelling Consultants help organizations and individuals develop and tell their stories in a compelling way. As a Storytelling Consultant, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to help your clients create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences. You would be responsible for understanding the needs of your clients, developing a storytelling strategy, and providing guidance on how to implement that strategy. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Videographer
Videographer
Videographers are responsible for capturing and editing video footage. As a Videographer, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for a variety of audiences. You would be responsible for understanding the needs of your audience, developing a shooting plan, and editing the footage into a cohesive story. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Editor
Editor
Editors are responsible for reviewing, editing, and revising written content. As an Editor, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to help your clients create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences. You would be responsible for reviewing written content, identifying areas for improvement, and making suggestions for revisions. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Writer
Writer
Writers are responsible for creating written content for a variety of purposes. As a Writer, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for a variety of audiences. You would be responsible for developing story ideas, writing scripts, and editing your work. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
Communications Specialist
Communications Specialist
Communications Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies for organizations. As a Communications Specialist, you could use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course to create engaging and effective digital storytelling experiences for a variety of audiences. You would be responsible for understanding the needs of your audience, developing a communication plan, and managing the communication process. This course would provide you with the foundation and tools you need to succeed in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f243mb/powerful
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling.
Save
Is commonly used as a textbook in Digital Storytelling courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of the process of creating digital stories, from developing an idea to final production. The book is clearly written and engaging, and it is packed with practical advice and examples. It also does not mainly deal with the technical side of digital storytelling and its approach is more humanities-based.
Provides a more theoretical perspective on digital storytelling. It examines the different ways that digital technologies are changing the way we tell and consume stories. The book bit more challenging to read than some of the other books on this list, but it is well worth the effort. It will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the power of digital storytelling.
Provides a valuable background in data visualization techniques and best practices that can be leveraged when creating a digital story. It valuable reference when building stories aiming to convey data in a structured, engaging, and easy-to-understand manner.
Provides a practical guide to using digital storytelling in the classroom. It covers a wide range of topics, such as how to use digital storytelling to teach different subjects, how to assess student learning, and how to use digital storytelling to create a positive learning environment.
Provides a practical guide to using digital technology to create stories. It covers a wide range of topics, such as how to use video, audio, and images to tell stories. It also provides tips on how to use digital storytelling for marketing, education, and other purposes.
Provides a valuable insight on the structure of stories. It can be used as guidance for development of a main plot and its subplots.
Provides a comprehensive overview of storytelling. It covers a wide range of topics, such as the different types of stories, the elements of a good story, and how to tell stories effectively.
This seminal work provides a comprehensive overview of the archetypal journey of the hero figure across many cultures and traditions. Though not directly related to digital storytelling, it valuable resource of inspiration for structuring stories and developing characters.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f243mb/powerful
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University of Houston
Instructors
Bernard R Robin
Sara G. McNeil
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