4+Preparation

Things we have to do. You are to edit the top of this page based on what we have done in class. Consider the best user software to use. Select from XTimeline or Dipity or something else Gliffy or explore other web based concept mapping software PowerPoint for storyboarding see pgs 43-44 in Frazel

Consider the use of flickr for public domain photos or look at Picasa.

Consider the use of ccMixter for creative commons licensed music. Look also at other free services.

Story Core Components In the context of a digital storytelling project, the story core is a planning tool that students use to identify the following key components of their story that compose the essence of their narratives.
 * The central challenge that creates the story's tension and forward momentum.
 * Character formation that facilitates the response to the challenge.
 * The response to and resolution of the challenge that resolves the tension and leads to story closure.

Typically, change is a struggle. If change comes too easily in a story, the audience disengages. Facilitated by transformation, the character addresses the challenge. Closure by no means implies a happy ending, just a resolution of events.

How the story core works in education is demonstrated in the following table: The student learning story is one in which a student traverses from inquiry to discovery and achieves closure by applying what he/she has learned.
 * Story Core || Unit of Instruction ||
 * Hero's problem or challenge || Inquiry assignment, Academic challenge ||
 * Hero's transformation || Learning and growth through research and analysis ||
 * Hero's resolution || Discovery, applied learning. ||

After students have conceived their stories, they can apply a story core check to gain perspective about their stories. How can teachers teach about the story core? One way is to have students analyze stories in terms of the story core. Once they see it in the stories they listen to, they will be better able to use it in the stories they tell. You should process from story core to story map to storyboarding. A story map is a simple diagram that can fit on one piece of paper. Story maps ensure that the sequence of events supports a story that is compelling and memorable, storyboards ensure that the sequence of events of a story makes sense.

Look at the digital storytelling ebook that can be found at

www.microsoft.com/teachers