I have made many links on the RHS under “Resources that I use” to help others get started. Please feel free to give me feedback or comments on these resources so that we can all learn from each other.

Many of my resources have come from sharing ideas with teachers, researching internet sites and working in the classroom. Please let me know if I have not acknowledged or given credit where credit is due. This is an educational site and all content will be used for educational purposes. Apologies if I have not acknowledged any materials correctly - this is due to my lapsing memory of where the original or idea came from. (I would like to credit material correctly hence please let me know if you can help me with this issue.) Some ideas come from the range of internet links given on the main digital stories blog page.

Example of an instruction sheet I have used:
(I would also give students the checklist, self assessment & peer assessment sheet at the same time - see assessment page)
“STORIES DEFINE:
Who we are.
Where we have come from.
Where we are going. . . and
What we care about!
Stories give life!”
 – Dana Atchley – http://www.nextexit.com/
Getting Started - group discussion:
1. Discuss the above quote in your groups – Is this true? Is it true for digital stories? Look at the range of sample web sites - how many of the sample digital stories meet some areas of the above quote?
2. Have your past experiences shaped your life? – What does this mean? Discuss this in your group and present your answer on a group mindmap.

Your project:
1. Using the planning handout sheet, design your story
2. Produce a 1-3 min digital story
     - The story must be about something that is important to you.
     - Do not just place a range of photos with some text at the beginning and credits at the end.
***Try using a microphone to add a personal touch.

Our Blog
A blog has been set up for you to keep a digital journal on the development of your digital story. By using blogs your digital story will have a real audience. Your audience will be able to see the development of your story through our blog. Incorporating blogs will allow a greater audience even across great distances – friends and relatives will be able to see and make comment on your work.

It may help in your planning to list your most memorable experiences or to work through some of the following examples as story starters.
My earliest memory….
The day I was so scared….
I remember being really happy when…
My mum, my ………..
My first day at school….
A story about someone important
Memorial stories
A story about an event in my life
Accomplishment stories
The story about a place in my life
Recovery stories
Love stories

Note:
You must use the planning sheets provided before you start.
You must sign the blogging agreement form before using blogs.
Blogs should be used throughout the planning, development, production and reflection. Our blog should provide a diary, feedback area and reflection for your story and will be a major part of your assessment. You will post your digital story on the blog when finished.
Make sure that you have permission before using photos involving others.
*Please use full sentences and words when blogging. Write your blog in Word first to check grammar and spelling.