Project Planning Update: Digital Storytelling Week 5

Project Planning Update: Digital Storytelling Week 5

    As I continue developing my digital story, I am finding that most of the work left to be completed is the building and creating of the website itself. As someone with a background in English, the writing and scripting part comes naturally to me. However, the website creation process is what is taking up most of my work time right now. To be prepared to present, I plan on spending small chunks of time working on the website instead of waiting until the last week. I have found throughout my education career that I work much better in small chunks of time. Something I’ve love feedback on is ideas for implementing special effects and media elements into my website. If anyone has ideas for meaningful content to include, please let me know. 

    As for my audience, it will differ based on the goal of sharing my story. For example, when presenting to district personnel, I would focus more on the legality of the issue. When presenting to parents, I would focus on the lessons their students are missing out on. Because of the legal issues, I don’t think this story would be appropriate for students at this time. Hopefully one day these books will be back to literary canon as they result in some of the greatest lessons a developing young person can learn. Overall, I’d love for this story to resonate with all audiences by reminding them of the importance of these classic novels and the lessons they carry within their pages. 

    By developing this website, I have gained several key skills and developed important knowledge. For example, I have learned more about the details and restrictions of House Bill 900. As a Department Chair, this is valuable information for me to be familiar with as this law greatly impacts my team of English teachers. I have also gained the valuable skill of website creation. I’ve made Google Slides and Canva Presentations for years now, but this is one of the first websites I’ve created. As I’m looking to move into a role that supports educators, website creation is such a valuable skill to possess. 

One way I’d love to utilize digital storytelling with my students is by turning it into our fourth nine weekend research project. After the STAAR test, we teach a research unit instead of having them write a Fourth Nine Weeks essay. I think allowing students to utilize digital storytelling as  a means to display their research would be such a fun challenge for them to complete. In the past, they have made a Google Slides presentation, but I think using digital storytelling would be a way to increase rigor and engagement. I know my 8th graders would be so excited to create something meaningful to them through this method. As we move forward throughout the year, I’m excited to start incorporating digital storytelling elements into my instructional practices. One resource that I have found particularly useful is Diana Restifo’s Website, “ Best Sites and Apps for Digital Storytelling: Digital Storytelling Can Help Boost Communication and Presentation Skills”. This website offers several options for digital storytelling platforms. It’s nice to have a compiled list to work through to see which website is the best fit for the needs of my students. The one I am liking the most so far is Imagine Forest as it includes writing tips and prompts as well as a built in dictionary (Restifo, 2022). These features are perfect for an English project as they provide necessary content support. 

    Overall, I need to focus on the actual creation and development of my website. I’d like to make sure the effects enhance the message of my story. I’m particularly thankful that I’m getting this exposure now, so when I get to implementing it with my students, I’m better prepared to help them succeed in this project that promotes both creativity and critical thinking.


References

Restifo, D. (2022, July 11). Best sites and apps for digital Storytelling. TechLearningMagazine. https://www.techlearning.com/tl-advisor-blog/30-sites-and-apps-for-digital-storytelling

Comments

  1. Karen ScrogginsNovember 14, 2024 at 10:48 AM

    I am so excited to see your final project. It is so important that students have access to the books. I love that you are going to present to so many different audiences. In Oklahoma, this will be a moving target as politics develop on banning books. Good luck and keep up the good fight for books. I have a sweatshirt that says, "I survived reading banned books and all I got was smarter."

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trecia GeniusNovember 15, 2024 at 3:32 PM

    Your valuable insights and skills are commendable as you create the website to inform various audiences about the digital story. Your preparation plan will give you ample time to make any necessary adjustments. I look forward to seeing the finished product and the excellent work that will highlight a topic beneficial to all stakeholders in education.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alex FacciponteNovember 16, 2024 at 10:37 AM

    Hello Haylee,
    I agree. The creation of the website aspect can definitely be a challenge. It is great to diversify your skillset in having the ability to create the website. That is one of the biggest goals I have with my project. I want to learn more skills in creating things as possible whether that be with website creation or with the story itself. I am very excited to see your finished product. I believe that you have an engaging story that will open a lot of eyes. I think it can make a big difference and have people think twice on if the banning of these books is truly necessary.
    Overall, great post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Melody McCartyNovember 17, 2024 at 9:49 AM

    I can not wait to see the finished product of your digital story. You are doing an amazing job!

    ReplyDelete

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