Constructing Digital Stories

1. Write an Initial Script: This may be as short as a note card. To many students this task seems much more accomplishable and reasonable than a 5 page essay.
2. Plan an accompanying storyboard: This is the plan of what to show. For a 2 minute story, 12 images is usually sufficient.
3. Discuss and Revise the Script: Basically peer review to tweak the story for the better and decide what actually needs to be said vs. just visualized in an image.
4. Sequence the images in the video editor: Scan the images onto a timeline in the chosen software and organize them. Format the images to the proper size and resolution.
5. Add the Narrative Track: Record sentence by sentence. Read through as whole may take longer and more recording tries.
6. Add Special Effects and Transitions: Use minimal effects: use them when they contribute meaning in the story.
7. Add Musical Soundtrack: If time permits. Import a soundtrack. Background music and narrative may be heard together.
Make sure students are in the right place at the right time and using their time wisely. Remind them to keep it organized and to always save their work. It is also necessary to address copyright issues with the students.