Digital Storytelling: Blog 5

 

For this week's assignment, I am answering the following questions: 

1. Discuss your progress on the digital story. What is your plan to be prepared to share your story during the 7th week of class? What do you need assistance with?

The progress of my digital story has been very slow as I am still figuring out what I want to say.  My plan is to just work a little bit at a time because sometimes it can be overwhelming, not just the work, but also the emotions of reliving the event. I feel like I need assistance with everything! 

2. Review the resources for this week and discuss potential application tools for the production of your story or use with students in your classroom.

I am still deciding which application tools to use. Currently, I’m exploring CapCut and also considering Canva.

3. In preparation for the Digital Storytelling in your Community Assignment due next week.  Discuss the following:

• Who is the authentic audience for your story?  Who will be impacted by it? In what ways might this story resonate with this audience?

This story is for anyone who has faced the loss of their home, whether due to a tornado, fire, or flooding. I believe my story will resonate most deeply with those who have lived through similar experiences. My peers in this course come from across the United States, and I hope those unfamiliar with Oklahoma’s weather patterns will gain a greater understanding of the impact of severe weather. For fellow Oklahomans, I hope this story reinforces the importance of empathy, preparedness, and taking weather warnings seriously.

• What skills and knowledge have you developed as you create your story?

Through creating my story, I've gained valuable skills and knowledge, including how to write a blog, create a storyboard, and work through emotions that were beneath the surface.

• How might your community/students be impacted by engaging in digital storytelling?  What role can you play?

Digital storytelling can have a meaningful impact on my community by helping families share their personal stories, fostering connection, and supporting communal healing and resilience. By creating my own digital story, I can provide an example for others who wish to capture and share their own experiences.

Digital Storytelling 5333: Blog 3

I'm currently developing a Project Plan for my digital story. Here’s my outline so far—I’d really appreciate any feedback!

What story would you like to explore? 

• I would like to share my experience of the Barnsdall tornado that took place on May 6m 2024.

What type/kind of story will you tell? 

• My story will be a personal narrative.

What is the purpose or impact? 

• The purpose of my story is to encourage others to stay weather-aware and take cover promptly. It’s crucial to understand the weather patterns in your area and be prepared.  Keep an emergency bag packed with important documents and essentials. Having a solid safety plan in place is very important. I am also going to talk about the trauma that takes place after a natural disaster 

What are the story elements? (Ohler)

Point of View: The story will be told from a first-person perspective, providing a personal, intimate look at the events.

Dramatic Question: What happened to the tornado victim?

Emotional Content: The story will explore themes of loss, including parents losing their home and the broader impact on the community.

What approach will you take to mapping or developing your story?  (Ohler) 

• I am going to use the Story Arc to develop my story. Structuring my story around this framework can help build emotional impact and engagement. Here is what I am thinking;

1. Exposition: Introduce the setting, the characters (such as myself or the affected family), and establish the normal day-to-day life before the storm.

2. Rising Action: Build up the tension as weather warnings emerge, and the characters begin to realize the approaching danger, increasing the sense of urgency.

3. Climax: Describe the tornado’s impact, focusing on the fear, uncertainty, and immediate response to the storm’s devastation.

4. Falling Action: Capture the aftermath, including the physical and emotional toll on the family and the community as they process the loss.

5. Resolution: Close with reflections on resilience, rebuilding, or lessons learned about preparedness and the strength of the community.

How might you use this story in an educational environment?

• I can use this story in an educational environment for lessons on weather patterns, disaster preparedness, resilience, and community support.

What content and technology standards are addressed? 

For students:

1.2 Digital Citizen - Students recognize the responsibilities and opportunities for contributing to their digital communities.

1.3 Knowledge Constructor - Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

1.6 Creative Communicator - Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

What tools are you considering to capture, edit, and communicate your story? 

• I am still trying to decide on how I will capture, edit, and communicate my story. I plan to use photographs, videos, and, if possible, a news story. Text will likely be serving as the main storytelling tool.

How might you produce your story? 

• I'm not sure yet how I'll produce my story, but I'm considering using YouTube as a platform.

How might you assess digital stories produced by students in your own courses?

• Since I'm no longer teaching in the classroom, I don’t have students to assess. However, if I did, I would use a rubric with clear guidelines.