Digital Storytelling Residencies - Engaging and Fun Across Curriculums

Remembering Washington: How to Turn Oral Histories into Digital Stories

In this fun, active learning residency, students create a 3-5 minute Digital Story based on first person accounts of the 1963 March on Washington. Students research the March, using archival materials, and then reimagine an account in their own words. Students learn visual literacy through original photography; presentation skills through recording; and technology skills by editing their own inspired Digital Stories.

Time Frame: 5 – 7 Days, each day 60-75 minute sessions

Why Jennifer?

Jennifer S. Jones is a writer, performer, storyteller and arts educator. She holds an MFA (Playwriting) from NYU Tisch. She has written numerous plays including the internationally renowned, award-winning Appearance of Life. Jennifer has traveled the world recording women’s stories and crafting their voices into theatrical shows for the Letters to Clio series. The Letters to Clio series evolved into LTC Productions LLC as a way for Jennifer to bring her storytelling expertise to the classroom.

As an experienced arts educator, Jennifer was recently appointed by the Virginia Commission for the Arts as one of thirteen certified and recognized Artists in Residence. Experienced in arts integration, Jennifer holds a certificate from the Teaching Artist Institute (TAI III). Jennifer understands the importance of meeting Common Core and Standards of Learning, and each residency is designed to meet specific curriculum goals.

Why Digital Storytelling?

Digital Storytelling is highly effective because it enhances writing, communication, and presentation skills through the use of digital media.

Since the beginning of time, storytelling has been central to the human experience. We use stories to explain concepts and ideas and to share this understanding with others. Unlike traditional storytelling, Digital Storytelling blends language and voice together with images and sound to create a new art form.

In the 21st century classroom, we have the capability to use technology to enhance learning of subject-area standards while developing students’ visual literacy and technology skills. The process of creating a Digital Story allows students to gain proficiency in writing and research, visual and sound literacy, oral speaking, critical thinking, collaboration, and project management skills. Digital Storytelling is an extremely flexible, customizable learning strategy that can be used with all ages, from kindergarten through high school.

Digital Storytelling can be implemented across curriculums to meet Visual Arts, Theater Arts, Common Core, and State Technology Standards.

Learning Outcomes of Residency

Enhance research, writing, communication and presentation skills
Employ basic dramatic structure to write narratives
Develop image composition, viewpoint, cropping, and other photography techniques
Integrate original photography to enhance the meaning of text
Manipulate multimedia components (recorded voice over and sound) to enhance the development of theme
Improve project management skills and shared responsibility

The Logistics

Residencies vary between 5 – 7 days in length with 60-75 minute sessions each day
Artist provides all necessary technology - All that is needed is access to a computer lab
Appropriate for grades: 4th – 12th
Digital Storytelling may be implemented across curriculums to meet Visual Arts, Common Core, and State Technology Standards
ELA, History, Science and Mathematic Curriculum Connections available
Residencies are structured so educators can replicate the process of creating Digital Stories again and again