EDCI 270

Course project theme: ________________________

Name: _______________________________
Lab Section: __________________________

Digital Storytelling Project

Explanation/grading sheet
Purpose of this project:
The overall goal of this project is for you to develop and demonstrate skills at creating a digital storytelling
experience that includes still media and audio. The end result will be enhanced skills to design and develop
a coherent, interesting 2-3 minute video incorporating images, text, music, and audio narration clips.
(Example: http://emilylouiseelmore.weebly.com/workout-6.html)
Skills needed to accomplish:
Ability to write and produce an effective video.
Ability to use Camtasia, Windows Movie Maker, iMovie (or similar) video production software
Ability to identify when and how such technology could be integrated within the K-12 classroom
environment.
Procedure to accomplish this workout:
Part A: Pre-project preparation
Determine what the focus of your digital story will be. You have two options:
a) A digital story about your Best Learning Experience (BLE); or
b) A digital story related to your selected course theme
Review some examples of digital stories completed by previous EDCI 560 and 270 students
a) http://youtu.be/HJ_eYURsFdI
b) http://jaeannbrier.wordpress.com/project-3/
Create a basic outline of the digital story you are to produce (e.g., you can use the story you
wrote for your BLE and adapt it at this point if you chose to develop the BLE story)
Review the software you have selected to use for this project:
a)

For Camtasia:
Camtasia Studio 8 (video tutorials)
Camtasia Studio 8 (pdf guides)
Camtasia Studio 7 (video tutorials)
Camtasia Studio 7 (pdf guides)
Camtasia for Mac
b) For Windows Movie Maker:
Open Windows Movie Maker (free program found in Windows 7)

c)

Click on the help section on the ribbon

.
Review the various Frequently Asked Questions to determine the basics
of Movie Maker.
Review the Get Started video and information at
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker-get-started
For Apples iMovie:
Review the Get Started section of:
http://www.apple.com/support/imovie/

Part B: Story planning and development

Create a rough outline of the story you will develop. Break your story into 8-12 short sections.
Using a storyboard template (see the attached template as an example), put each of the main
ideas and text related to each of your sections on a separate card/section of the template.
On each template section/card put the following information:
a) The audio script that will be narrated for that section (e.g., write what will be said)
b) A quick sketch of a picture (you can use stick drawings) that will be displayed while
the text is being presented. Note: it is not required that pictures used in your
presentation are from actual people or places that are described in your story. These
can be used but this is not a requirement.
c) Note any text that will be displayed on top of the picture (text overlay).
d) If music is to play, identify the clip and any technical information that is needed
(e.g., length, volume).
Once your initial draft is completed on the template, have your story reviewed by one or more
students, TA, or UTA. Note the suggestions and make all changes needed.
1

Part C: Media development

Search, identify, select, and gather the needed digital images to effectively illustrate each of
key parts of your story. Note: if you are not the copyright owner, note the location from
where you are getting the picture and record it.
Digitally crop, format, and save your images.
Consider various types of background music for your presentation. Make a selection and get
the needed formatted version.
Open Movie Maker (or iMovie) and start a new project.
Upload your selected images, audio, text, etc.
Practice using the media software to develop your story. Create a draft version of your story
on the software. This draft should include attempts at adding pictures, music, and narrated
audio.
Part D: Digital story development and final production
Using the media software, create a short, final 2-3 minute digital story based on your theme
topic or your BLE.
The story must incorporate:
o Opening and closing background music (you can have music throughout if you
choose, just dont let it be distracting)
o Audio narration
o Multiple pictures that relate to the story being told
o Text overlays with some of the images
The story can incorporate (these are optional but may enhance the overall outcome):
o Video
o Sound effects (this may require the use of applications such as Audacity (see
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ and also
https://wiki.itap.purdue.edu/display/INSITE/Audacity from the INSITE wiki).
o Transitions between sections of the presentation.
Upload your finished digital story to YouTube and embed your video within your web site
portfolio.
Part E: Project narrative
1. Using a word processor, write a reflection/narrative that addresses the following questions:
o What works best about your digital story?
o What do you wish you had time, energy, and money to make this digital story even
better?
o What value did the planning and the peer evaluations have for you and the final
version of your digital story?
o What have you learned about media creation software such as Movie Maker, iMovie,
or Camtasia?
o Which of the ISTE teacher standards have you addressed and how were they
addressed through the development of this digital story?
2. Your written narrative should be 1-2 pages in length (single spaced), well formatted, concise,
clear, and free of all spelling and grammatical errors.
(60 points maximum)
*Grading based on:
____ (10 pts.) Planning employed the use of the template planning card/page and was reviewed by the TA
or UTA in a timely manner.
____ (20 pts.) Finished video was clearly presented, flowed well, and was interesting to view. The
content was well organized and the viewer understood the clear message being presented.
____ (5 pts.) Pictures and text overlays had a purpose and related well with the story (e.g., helped to
clarify, added understanding, piqued interest, helped to make story elements cohesive)
____ (10 pts.) Audio narration tells the story in a clear, well-practiced, natural fashion adding emotion
and interest as needed.
____ (5 pts.) Story was published to YouTube and embedded within students course web site
____ (10 pts.) The project narrative was well written, clear, concise and it addressed all of the given
questions.
____ Total

Storyboard Template