This week for my Fundamentals of Technology class we were given the task of creating our sample digital storytelling project. This teacher-created sample can be used by our students to get a better idea of what their own projects should look like when they are done. My digital storytelling project is for 4th grade Social Studies. It is on the explorers unit that we cover in my classroom. My students are supposed to work in groups to pick an explorer and research as much information as they can about their explorer. I chose to make a sample digital storytelling project on Juan Ponce de Leon.
In previous weeks, we have been asked to make a presentation on digital storytelling using Prezi or another type of software, such as Power Point. I chose to make my sample project using Prezi since I already have some experience using this particular software. I really didn't have any trouble finding the information I wanted to use regarding my explorer. I also did not have many issues using Prezi itself. This week, I had more trouble trying to find pictures that could be used in my digital storytelling presentation. This is mostly because a lot of the graphics I would have liked to use are copyrighted. After much time and searching I was able to find pictures that were useful. Most of these were easily uploaded to Prezi. A few of the pictures were a bit more difficult because Prezi would not take the file type that they were saved under. I had to learn how to reformat the file types on a few pictures. Once I learned the useful skill of reformatting, everything else was a piece of cake. I finished making my presentation and it is now ready to be viewed. Please take a look!
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI think you do a nice job explaining the facts and even giving a lot of visuals on the explorations of Juan Ponce de Leon. But I have the same reservations about your presentation as I did about Justin's and even about my own. When I compare my own presentation with the example from Wendy Drexler's my slide show is still a bunch of facts and opinions presented in almost a bullet point format. I tried to add pictures and spice it up but I still am dissatisfied with it from the standpoint of a story. I think we still have a ways to go before we turn the corner from a creative slide show to a digital story. Again these are just my opinions and I have the same ones about my own presentation. Maybe it's the slide show medium that we are trained to think in facts and bullet points not creative story telling?
I wrote the following ocmment in another peer’s blog and thought you might find it useful too since you had trouble finding photos.
ReplyDeleteIt might be a good idea for your class to gather some websites and publications in which photos related to project exist and then get permission from them ahead of time for your students. You could explain to the companies/publishers the goal you’re seeking the purpose of your request. Then once you receive permission (which most folks will be gracious since this if for educational purposes), provide your students with a list of resources they may use for photographs, etc… Just an idea and it would definitely take up extra time on your part.
Lauren’s trouble was that her presentation was on Anne Frank thus taking her own photos were not an option. However, if your students created their presentation on Ponce de Leon, might I suggest taking them on a field trip to St. Augustine and having them take their own photos? While learning the history of Ponce de Leon, they could take photos they believe represent him and the history. Then you could view each student’s perspective and how they see his life in their digital story.
Good luck on finding photos you can use - it is quite an undertaking and is definitely time consuming! :) If you want to spend a few bucks you can go to http://www.istockphoto.com
- Chrystal
Your prezi was very informative. I like how it read like a book report without feeling bookish. I also really liked your old vintage pictures. I think it added a lot to your presentation.
ReplyDeleteWould you allow the students to draw pictures if they run into the same problem as you with copyrighting? Just an idea...