PhotoStory: This program allows you to create iMovie-like presentations that can include photos, video, narration, text, and music (uploaded or created using PhotoStory). The finished products can be exported in a variety of files types and sizes. Students will be able to easily use this program with minimal instruction. It takes you through a step-by-step process for creating your project.
*Note: Depending on what elements you have included in your project, the saving time will vary. I would recommend planning for at least 5-10 minutes for saving.
Audacity: You can create, combine, and edit voice and/or music tracks. There are a variety of effects that you can choose from and it is easy to create and edit multiple tracks. Projects can be exported in a few different formats. This is a great program that you can use for simple podcasts. http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/features
Paper Slide Shows: Paper slide shows can easily be created using simply copy paper, markers, and a digital camera. Students illustrate their "stories" on the copy paper then use the digital camera to either take still photos (that will later be uploaded into a presentation program) or use the video function to record their narrated story. Students slide each piece of paper away as they narrate. Click on the link below to view some examples of paper slide shows.
SchoolTube Paper Slide Shows
In Plain English Paper Slide Show
Silent Video Clips: This is a great digital storytelling tool that can be used for introducing a topic, for teaching a concept, or to assess student understanding. All you need is a video clip on your topic and a way to play it for your students. Simply play the video without any sound the first time through. Have students discuss what they think the video clip is about, what vocabulary they think the narrator will be included, and what concepts are involved. After the discussion you can watch the video with the narration and compare, create your own narration, or have students add their own narration. It is a great way to incorporate communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Zoom Photos: This is an easy project that requires very little technology experience. All you need are some photos that seem to tell a story. Usually photos that depict a time in history or event work the best. Zoom into the photo and have students try to guess what story the photo is telling them. After they have a short discussion about what they think, enlarge the photo to its original size and discuss what story the photo is now telling them. It also may be helpful to discuss the differences in perceptions between the two photos that they students had. Look below for an example of a zoom photo discussion.
(This photo is from the Library of Congress Living Memories collection)
What do you think these people are doing? What time period did they live in? What other thoughts do you have about this photo?
After looking at the photo zoomed back out, describe what these people are most likely doing? What perceptions did you have about the first photo that may have been incorrect? Correct? What other thoughts do you have about this photo?
Digital Storytelling with Web 2.0 Tools
Animoto: Animoto is a website that creates videos from photos that you upload. It is a great site to use if you go on a field trip and want to create a project for parents or students to remember their trip by. It would be a great tool for students for a creative project idea. This site requires an account but it is free to register. They also offer an educator account with more choices to use in your classroom. There is a great variety of music that you can choose to go with you video as well. Check it out and start creating your own fantastic videos!
Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.
VoiceThread: This site allows you to create a slide show presentation that you can add narration, and have other users comment on. You can add comments to a presentation by typing in text or by recording your voice using a microphone. Each slide can have multiple comments and students can comment on one or all of the slides separately. This is a great site to create projects like book talks, group presentations, discussions, and more. Check out an example below and check out the site. An account is required to save your projects but it is free.
Voki: This site allows you to create avatars that you can add to web pages, blogs, or social networking sites. You can customize the look of your Voki and there are multiple options for adding a voice. You can call in your audio using a cell phone, type it in and have a computer voice speak, record it on your computer or use a file already recorded.
This is a great site for adding a creative touch to computer projects or for student introductions at the beginning of the year
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Blabberize: Blabberize allows you to take any photo and create a talking animation out of it.
Go Animate: This is an easy annimation site that allows you to create animated stories using a variety of pre-made characters and backgrounds. This site has an education version and is free to join.
GoAnimate4Schools.com: Global Warming by Justin EamesLike it? Create your own at GoAnimate4Schools. It's free and fun!
StoryBird: StoryBird allows you to create online flipable books. All you have to do is select the illustrations that you want from their photo gallery and add your text to the pages. There are multiple layouts that you can choose from. You will need to sign up for a free account to save your work. This is a great tool for all ages of students.
you don't have to be cool. by popcorn68 on StorybirdZooburst: This site allows you to create 3D pop-up books. Click on the link to view some samples.
Flipsnack: Using this site you can create a flippable book where you can create the artwork on the pages. Students can create anything from simple picture book to a multi-chapter book. All you need to do is upload your files to the website in PDF format then you can choose a template, view and publish your flippable book. You can also download your book right to your computer. A free account is needed to save your projects. Check out a video tutorial by clicking on the link below.
