Write, Camera, Action!

This project focuses on teaching students to not only "Write" their own stories, but to learn to use "Camera" technology and combine multimedia resources into an "Action" sequence called digital storytelling. First of all, students learn how to write their own narrative stories. Students then learn to enhance their writing with a variety of multimedia resources and devices, including a variety of digital cameras and online services. For example, if a student has written a story about a picnic they went on they would first record themselves reading the story. They will do this by using computer headphone with a built in microphone to record their own voices reading their writing. This child would then place their voice recording into a movie making computer program. Next the student finds images to put with their audio. Images can be gathered many ways. If the student has photographs to go along with the event they wrote about they can bring those in and actually scan them place the photos with their audio recording. If there are no photos avaible the student can use digital cameras to recreate the event and take pictures, they can use a digital camcorder to capture video clips of themselves recreating the event, or use internet resources. When using internet resources, the student might search for images that can represent the event they wrote about. Once images have been located and are added to the computer program the student can also add background music and transitions. Once all wanted audio and images are in place the final product will be a movie clip of the student reading their own writing accompanied by a movie that actually brings their writing to life. This mini movie can then be shared with the class, posted on a class website, or burned to a DVD to be given to the student and their family.