Through the readings, I am a little unnerved at all of the aspects that are presented for consideration. However, after taking a bit of time to digest them all, I return to my original conclusion that for the purpose of educational presentations and student involvement, we need only start with a few simple principles. While Ohler discusses tone and tempo etc, It seems to me that many of these things will take care of themselves once a topic has been chosen. For example, one of the DSTs I viewed discussed the horrible treatment of a reporter and a woman who was burned - the nature of this topic sets the tone for the author.
In our classrooms, if we are to make good use of DST for students (and by students) I think we need to consider that for many of them, it will be the first foray into this genre and we need not be so concerned with too many details but rather let the students be guided by there topic to set the tone as well as other aspect of their story. Ohler's book can be overwhelming, and rightfully so if we are setting out to present an award winning piece. However, we need to remind ourselves that we are not here for that, bit only to open doors to students that move them in a direction where they can have have as many experiences as they can to give themselves as many opportunities as they can.
Chris, I have to say that I agree with you. I thought I "knew" about digital storytelling but then the more I read, the more I realized I didn't know. It was actually quite overwhelming in the beginning, which, I think, could be why it is so easy to shy away from it and just allow digital tools to take over the story. I understand what you mean when you say that things like tempo and tone, etc. will be taken of when the topic is chosen but I think that for instructional purposes, Ohler is encouraging us to go through those steps with our students because they will need to keep those elements in mind when writing a story, whether it is digital or not. I do agree with you that it's important not to bog down students with the details in the beginning because they can be used to refine their work as they become more familiar with telling digital stories.
ReplyDeleteI had the same feelings as I read through much of the text that you did. Although I love the use of Ohler's book as a resource guide and manual full of helpful tips, we need to keep in mind that the purpose of digital storytelling is not necessarily a perfect piece of production. Rather, this is an opportunity to express themselves in a way that has most likely never been afforded to them in all their years of schooling. Yes, I do think there need to be some guidelines and possible precedents to follow, but I love to think that my students would be able to take a digital storytelling project and effectively take off in their own direction with it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that DST can be overwhelming when you first begin to learn what it encompasses. It will be important to remind our students (and ourselves during this course!) that we have been writing stories since elementary school and telling stories our whole lives. A good digital story will encompass a good written or verbal story. It’s just the presentation that is different.
ReplyDeleteThe many components that Ohler lays put frustrated me as well, Chris. Like you, I found them difficult to digest but then found several components to be essential. I think that DST, like many other forums, is adifficult concept to pin down. This is especially true the first time through, but that's not to say students will be intimidated each time. Nor should all aspects that Ohler establishes be required for all projects. I believe the task will naturally reflect the components required
ReplyDeleteI believe you hit the nail on the head when you write "we need only start with a few simple principles." I couldn't agree more. I think in any artistic endeavor, losing sight of the theme or core idea can lead to disaster. Ohler has written a fully inclusive book to give the reader a vast overview of the dynamics behind DST. A cook can choose from a wide variety of ingredients when preparing a dish. If the cook uses everything, the dish won't turnout very well, but if the cook uses just the right ingredients and just the right amount, the dish will be a triumph. DST is very similar.
ReplyDeleteI was feeling very similar to Saddler, some what overwhelmed at the volume of information Ohler was suggesting to incorporate into our DS. Chapter 5 underscores the importance of focusing on the core of the story. From there, as Saddler states, items like tonality will take care of themselves.
"To open doors to students that move them in a direction where they can have as many experiences as they can to give themselves as many opportunities as they can". Awesome! Yes, that is what we must focus on and be prepared to take them to the next level in education using technology. After reading your blog... it looks like you are well on your way.
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