DIGITAL STORYTELLING IN THE WORLD LANGUAGE CLASSROOMHeidi WheelerJohns Hopkins Universityhwheeler@jhu.edu

SESSION GOALSTo Learn what digital storytelling is how teachers can quickly and effectively

create digital learning assignments How students benefit from creating digital

stories

To Brainstorm On assignments in your curriculum that could

be augmented by digital storytelling

WHAT IS DIGITAL STORYTELLING?“Digital Storytelling is the modern expression

of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences, and insights. Tell your story now digitally.”- Leslie Rule, Center for Digital Storytelling

THE 7 ELEMENTS OF DS1. Point of View What is the main point of the story and what is the perspective of the

author?2. A Dramatic Question A key question that keeps the viewer's attention and will be answered by

the end of the story.3. Emotional Content Serious issues that come alive in a personal and powerful way and

connects the story to the audience.4. The Gift of Your Voice A way to personalize the story to help the audience understand the

context.5. The Power of the Soundtrack Music or other sounds that support and embellish the storyline.6. Economy Using just enough content to tell the story without overloading the viewer.7. Pacing The rhythm of the story and how slowly or quickly it progresses.

MY PRIORITIES FOR LANGUAGE STUDENTS Well-written story or essay Project fits with my curriculum Opportunity for feedback and correction Motivation for the project Individual creation, but with clear limits Opportunity to share and experience

audience feedback

A GOOD ASSIGNMENT MAKES A GOOD DS Fairy Tale Description of a Work of Art “Ortsbeschreibung”

Watch the videos and think about what you like and what you would change

video 1 video 2 video 3

MOST IMPORTANT PART OF DIGITAL STORYTELLINGIs the sharing:

Plan an event outside of class. Invite others – friends, parents, teachers, administrators

Serve food

Enjoy watching your students receive well-deserved praise from their peers.

BRAINSTORMING What excellent writing assignment do you

already use in your curriculum that can be augmented by movie-making software.

Or what would be a good project for students at your level of instruction. Think about: age, themes, outside interests of the students, etc.

WRAP UP – SOME MISSTEPS THAT I HAVE MADE Not allowing them to use text, as well as

voice and music More time for student feedback (story-circle

activity) More attention to the quality of their audio

(volume, for example) Include a more personal story as an option

for them (such as the “Ortsbeschreibung”)

THANK YOU

Further Questions? Please contact me:

Heidi Wheelerhwheeler@jhu.edu