Digital Storytelling homepage

WELCOME

The following blog is intended as a resource for students at Bucknell University interested in the creation of multimedia and seeking additional resources for coursework and furthering their digital media literacy. This blog was originally created by Brianna Derr and has been updated and developed by supporting members of the Digital Pedagogy and Scholarship department within the Library & IT services at Bertrand Library.

WHAT IS A DIGITAL STORY?

A digital story usually pertains to a moment or event that shaped or changed your life. It is told through the "I" narrative and is a story that contains an emotional element. Emotion reveals the moment of powerful change and connects your story with a broad audience.

Refer to the Center for Digital Storytelling for examples of Digital Stories.
Center For Digital Storytelling

 

A Digital Story is something that the author, you, is close to. It is a first hand account of an experience, your experience. Tell your audience about a moment that surprised you, moved you, or made you feel something distinct.

What effects you, and What effects others is a good place to start. A significant moment can change a person's life and has been the foundation for countless storytellers; Where were you? Who were you with? How did it feel? If you can describe the emotions that accompany these questions, you're on the right track. What do you see when you visualize your moment? What do you hear? That is the moment you want to tell your audience. That moment is your Digital Story.

There are seven steps created by Joe Lambert, co-founder of the Center for Digital Storytelling dealing with content as well as technical aspects of your digital story.

  • Owning Your Insights: What's your story about? Who is your story directed at? How will you tell it?
  • Owning Your Emotions: What kind of emotions do you feel when thinking about your story and how can you best relay them to your audience? The emotional content is what will guide your story and attract your audience.
  • Finding The Moment: What moment affected you the most? What did that moment feel like? Who were you with? What was the weather like? Give details on the specific moment to help your audience connect to your story.
  • Seeing Your Story: What visuals do you see when reliving this story? What visuals will best relate your experience to others?
  • Hearing Your Story: What do you hear when reliving this story? What types of music or sound effects will best relate your experience to others?
  • Assembling Your Story: How will you piece together your story to best articulate your message? Will the moment of change be revealed at very end or perhaps you may want to begin with the moment of change?
  • Sharing Your Story: Where will your digital story live?