As my digital storytelling project develops, so does my idea of digital storytelling. As a reminder, I am working on a project for fifth grade students integrating technology into the social studies curriculum. These imaginary students will create digital stories in groups based on the recent disaster in Japan. This week I was responsible for either storyboarding an example project or creating an actual example. I decided to storyboard for two reasons; the first reason was lack of time, and the second one was my desire to create the rubric before the example. I wanted to decide specifically what I would expect of students before I created a project that may end up not meeting those expectations. I have never storyboarded before, and I am not very good at pre-planning. That said, here is a VERY rough draft of my sample digital storytelling storyboard.
I am well aware of just how rough it is, and I’m sure my Prezi I plan to create will not look a whole lot like this. I just wanted to give myself a starting-off point . I’m sure my storyboard looks like something one of the fifth grade students actually doing the project might come up with, but it gave me a good sense of what I want the project to be. I decided through completing this exercise that each group would be assigned a type of person or group such as a student their age or a family that lives in Japan. They would base their story on what happened to these people over the course of the disaster, and their plan to assist with relief efforts would need to be based on what could specifically help their assigned “character.” This was a big change from my original plan which would have been more of a presentation than a digital story.
I think once I create the project rubric, I will be able to also create a project example that best displays everything I would expect of students. I already feel much more confident in this project and what it is becoming. Hopefully one day I will be able to adapt it for my real class.
Storyboarding was new to me. I felt kind of surprised, but out of all the college courses, lesson plans, presentations, and everything else I have done throughout my career I have never created a storyboard. My initial feeling was to go with exactly what you have here - print out a storyboard template and fill it out. My reasoning was similar to yours, as when you said "I’m sure my storyboard looks like something one of the fifth grade students actually doing the project might come up with." That is a good thing! This is what my middle school students would do if given a storyboard template.
ReplyDeleteAs far as my evaluative feedback, I like your storyboard for the reason stated above, it represents what would be realistically created by a student in the early stages of this project. I did not detect any errors, and to be honest, I wouldn't really be looking for any at this stage of the project. I think using some "old fashioned" paper and pencil is definitely appropriate for 5th graders, especially those who are not very comfortable with the project or new to the software programs that will eventually be used.
I really like your idea. Having students create a project making real world connections is good. I have never had the chance to create a storyboard but I'm sure by the time we complete this class we will be pro's. I also understand your frustration but sometimes it takes that to bring out our more creative side.I agree that what you have is appropriate for fifth graders. The idea of using pencil and paper is also good As we all know students tend to make mistakes when putting things in place to create a final project of any sort so it would just be easier in order to correct mistakes.
ReplyDeleteWhile your storyboard is a rough draft, it is a good start and give me a good idea of what it is you plan on doing. Your project sounds like a unique way to include all of the elements from your Wikispace page and it covers all the things you hoped to teach your students.
ReplyDeleteI also thought that you brought up a good point by not creating your project before the rubric. It seems kind of strange to create a project without knowing what the guidelines are. Good point.