Opening Remarks

Course Overview:

The overall goal of this online course is to examine the nature of digital storytelling in terms of  technology, art form and how it might be taught.

The significance of its content: Technology not only will provide the medium for writing in the 21st century, not only will change how we will write and tell stories, but change what writing is. It will impact what and how we teach in our schools if we wish our students to be literate.

Who is the course intended for: 1st through 8th grade teachers (both pre-service and inservice).
How the course relates to other courses in a program of study: This course will compliment other studies of the use of technology to improve instruction.

Course Objectives:

  • participants will examine the four different formats which digital storytelling may take,
  • participants will create digital media writing in each of the formats,
  • participants will learn how to use collaborative digital media projects in their classrooms.


Textbook(s), reading packet, and other required materials:

  • Participants will not need to buy textbooks for this class. Materials will be provided within the framework of the class.


    • Course Structure:

    Digital Storytelling is not a collection of links for you to read, but is itself a digital story using a variety of digital formats. Why not model what's being taught? Examples of student work will also be provided.

    This will not be a course on "How to use your computer." Participants must have a working familiarity with their computer, it's operating system and basic software. Participants don't have to be "power-users," but they do need to know the basics. Participants must be able to do basic trouble shooting. For example: Can you locate the Sound preferences on your computer and switch the input from default to your mic?

    Even though this class is about using technology for writing, in the end it is the writing which is most important. The choosing of words, organizing them into sentences is by far the largest part of digital stories, although initially the technology may appear to be the more imposing.
    This course consists of six lessons. Each lessons will take about 2 hours to complete. Because of the nature of the different media you may wish to view/listen to/read the materials more than one time.


    Grading Components and Criteria

    Reflections (120 points): With each lesson you'll be asked to create a reflection--the media type will change with each lesson--which you will turn in to me. Each reflection will be worth 20 points (6 x 20 = 120 points).

    Log (50 points): Keep a log of the time you spend searching for new software, experimenting and learning new software, looking at examples of digital storytelling not listed in this lesson, reading materials not listed in this lesson, completing the homework, instant messaging other participants in this course--anything having to do with technology and what you're learning in this course. You should spent about 4 to 6 hours at this per lesson. Turn your log in at the end of each lesson as you complete them.

    Final project (150 points): At the end of all six lessons you'll need to choose one of the digital media types to create a digital story in collaboration either with your own students or your fellow participants in this course. The project be incorporate more than one media element.


    Grading Policy:

    • 90 - 100% = A
    • 80 - 89% = B
    • 70 - 79% = C
    • 60 - 69% = D
    • 0 - 59% = F


    Course Imcompletes

    A mark of "I" may be initiated by the instructor and may be reported only when the quality of work is satisfactory but a minor yet essential requirement of the course has not been completed for reasons acceptable to the instructor. To remove an incomplete, an undergraduate student must complete the required work within the next four terms of residence at the university or, if absent from campus, no later than three calendar years after the incomplete was awarded, or at such earlier date as the instructor, dean, or area head specifies (2000-2001 UO Catalog, P. 15).


    Lesson Topics


    Hardware and software needs

    • A computer (preferably a portable/laptop). A portable computer is an advantage in your personal learning curve. When the technology you use at home is the same as what you use at school, you retain much more.
    • A microphone of some kind. Many laptops come with built-in mics. Others may be purchased inexpensively.
    • Digital camera and software to get the pictures from the camera onto your computer.
    • Some way to record video.
    • Assorted software of your own choice to complete assignments.
    • QuickTime Pro. ($29.95) While not required QuickTime Pro is a good tool for which you will find many uses.


    Diversity
    It is the policy of the University of Oregon to support and value diversity. To do so requires that we:

    • respect the dignity and essential worth of all individuals.
    • promote a culture of respect throughout the University community,
    • reject bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind,
    • practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others,
    • promote the diversity of opinions, ideas and backgrounds which is the lifeblood of the university.


    Documented disability

    Appropriate accommodations will be provided for students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability and require accommodation, arrange to meet with the course instructor within the first two weeks of the term. The documentation of your disability must come in writing from the Disability Services in the Office of Academic Advising and Student Services. Disabilities may include (but are not limited to) neurological impairment, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, chronic medical conditions, emotional/psychological disabilities, hearing impairment, and learning disabilities. For more information on Disability Services, please see http://ds.uoregon.edu/


    Academic Misconduct Policy

    All students are subject to the regulations stipulated in the UO Student Conduct Code (http://studentlife.uoregon.edu/programs/student_judi_affairs/).  This code represents a compilation of important regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to student life.  It is intended to inform students of their rights and responsibilities during their association with this institution, and to provide general guidance for enforcing those regulations and policies essential to the educational and research missions of the University.


    Conflict Resolution

    The mission of the College of Education is to “Make educational and social systems work for all.” Several options, both informal and formal are available to resolve conflicts for students who believe they have been subjected to or have witnessed bias, unfairness or other improper treatment.  Within the College of Education, you can contact: David Chard, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Programs: 346-0065 or dchard@uoregon.edu, or Surendra Subramani, Interim Diversity Coordinator: 346-1473 or surendra@uoregon.edu

    Outside the College, you can contact:


    Grievance Policy

    A student or group of students of the College of Education may appeal decisions or actions pertaining to admissions, programs, evaluation of performance and program retention and completion. Students who decide to file a grievance should follow the student grievance procedure, or alternative ways to file a grievance outlined in the Student Grievance Policy (http://education.uoregon.edu/feature.htm?id=399) or enter search: student grievance.


    Course Incomplete Policy

    Students are expected to be familiar with university policy regarding grades of “incomplete” and the time line for completion. For details on the policy and procedures regarding incompletes, consult the UO Catalog or http://www.uoregon.edu/~registrar/common/incomplete_policy.html.


    Disclaimer

    The opinions expressed in these lessons (and I do have plenty of opinions) are mine alone and do not reflect those of this institution or any other.

       

    June 08, 2006 in 1About |