Reflections on TTT Webcast, 4/4/07
Posted by hickstro on April 4, 2007
First, thanks to Kevin, Bonnie, Gail, and Paul for hosting a great show tonight. I appreciated hearing the deep, thoughtful discussion about what it means to tell stories with technology.
Second, I want to continue reconsidering what we mean when we say “digital storytelling” and “using technology to tell stories.” I am both happy with the narrow definition of digital storytelling (as it keeps our attention focused on the task of telling a clear and concise story with audio and visuals in a movie making type of program) while at the same time disheartened by this narrowness (given examples like Bud’s story about his daughter or the ABC project). I hope that we continue to think about this and what it means in terms of the medium (be it audio only, video/images only, or some mix of audio and video) and the mode (narrative only? non-fiction such as a book talk or science report?).
Moreover, I hope that we keep reconsidering it in the context of professional development. Thus, my third point is to continue to ask, “What does this storytelling process look like in action?” What can we take from digital storytelling workshops that we have participated in and/or led in the past and translate into a broader (but not totally confusing or all-encompassing) vision of the work? I liked Kevin’s idea about collaboration and Bonnie’s point about extending the relationships beyond the initial workshop. I have to think about those ideas some more.
Again, great show. I had a colleague from RCWP who was listening in and we were carrying on our own simultaneous private chat about the discussions, both on the show and in the chat. She was very impressed with the level of discourse about this topic, as was I. Thanks again and I look forward to continuing the conversation here on the blog.
Troy
April 5th, 2007 at 3:48 am
And thank you for your comments that I just couldn’t keep up with and talk at the same time. I was just thinking about them. It’s so good that we can go back and read them today. As you can see, I am an avid reader of your blog and bring your posts here even when you don’t.
I always love what you have to bring to the table, even when you’re up to your eyeballs in dissertation etc.
Thank God for Tech Matters, Chico!
April 5th, 2007 at 4:44 am
Hi Troy
I think your questions are very important.
The terminology we use always seems to pin us in a corner and yet, we need to label and define things in order to better understand them. I purposely did not use the word digital in the name of this site but I did struggle to come up with a concise title. I think we need an advertising PR flak to help us out (kiddin’).
The idea of professional development is very crucial, too, (as is application in the classroom) and I guess I am just not there yet. I need to explore and figure things out for my own head before I can edit myself into the head of others (a little techstory humor).
I will stick to my idea of collaboration being the heart of what happens for me, though, because I believe individuals can draw upon the strength of others, and learn and venture into new terrain with less trepidation when they are part of the collective. A community is a powerful thing.
Still, what is the balance you would want to achieve for PD is an ongoing question.
Thanks
Kevin
April 5th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
It’s exciting to see all the work that is happening on Digital Storytelling. It fits in well with my current focus of our Language Arts unit (Storytelling). There are different tools available to us as teachers today. I understand how barriers still exist in the k-12 classroom. We can revert back to the pencil and paper format, or we can look at other possibilities. If we have the content, we can really fly with the presentation format. There are resources in our own schools and district. We just have to go out there and look for them. There are networks on the web where we can collaborate with other teachers that are facing the same challenges we are. Thanks for the great show. Check out our classroom’s Digital Story About Storytelling. http://room36.wordpress.com/2007/03/26/infotech-2007
April 5th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
HI Jose
Thanks for your comments and insights, and for listening in on the show. I will be sure to check out your movie.
Kevin