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This video-based introductory digital storytelling mini-course focuses on content creation, rather than technical training. It is assumed that the participants in this course will use various methods or software applications depending on what they have access to and are comfortable using, therefore the focus will be to provide general tips and information about recording audio, and using visuals and sound effects, rather than providing technical training about any particular piece of software.

This course was created and is presented by Jennifer D'Amore at Medielab at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.

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The 7 (and 10) essential elements of digital storytelling

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The 7 (and 10) essential elements of digital storytelling

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According to StoryCenter in Berkeley, there are 7 essential elements in digital storytelling. The University of Houston worked with them to expand that list to 10 essential elements (for educational purposes).

This video gives a brief description of these elements.

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Set yourself up for success.

It's in your best interest if you create a folder structure to organize all of your material (script, images, video, audio clips, etc.) before you begin. This sets you up for success once you get to the assembly process, as it will make it easier for you to find all of the media and scripts that you've collected, created and want to use.

This video presents a folder tree structure that is recommended to use for digital story production.

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Before you do anything, including writing your script, it's important to develop a clear concept.

This video introduces the first phase of creating your own digital story.

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Rather than piecing together random images, video clips or pieces of audio, it is recommended that you first write a complete script. The script is an important document that contains the text of the audio, as well as the accompanying visual references. It's not just about the voice over, it is a communication document. It shows your entire story and lets you examine the strength of the story before getting into the production phase.

This video discusses this essential part of your production process.

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Quick Tip: How (and Why) to Use a Two-Column Script

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Quick Tip: How (and Why) to Use a Two-Column Script

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A two-column script is an easy way to write and visualize an audio visual production, and can be done with various types of software, or even pencil and paper.

This video explains how and why to use a two-column script.

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Organic Inspirational Quote Reminder Social Media Post (2)

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3.1 The Audio Voiceover

3.2 Music and Sound Effects

3.3 Images and visuals

3.4 Tips for recording with a Mobile Device

additional resource: How to Use Google Advanced Image Search to find Usable Images

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The voiceover is the backbone of your story. The rhythm of the narrator's voice provides much needed structure. This video provides tips for this important element.

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Usually, the more senses involved in telling a story, the better. Music and sound effects help to build the world where the story takes place, and help to tell the story. Using music that is appropriate to the theme and time period of your story can help to take your audience on an emotional journey. This video explores the various uses of music and sound effects in telling your story.

Finding music:

It is possible to find music that is free to use online. You will need to credit the musician. For example, the music used for this course was found at Free Music Archive Click here (Links to an external site.)

Public Domain - Music that is old enough, and never had its copyright renewed falls into the "public domain" category, and can be used for free (always credit the musician), for example, some music from the early 1900s. It is possible to find curated collections online of music that falls into this category. For example: Musopen.org (Links to an external site.)

"Royalty free" music is music that can be purchased to use in your projects (you are licensing the right to use the music, but there are rules about how to use it, and how to credit the musician). There are many sites that offer royalty free music.

Other options:

Talented friends and family members may know how to play a tune that could be used to enhance your digital story. Ask around and you may be surprised at the gems that you are given. Just be sure that they own the right to the music and the recording that they offer you, and exactly how they would like their credit to read.

Simple examples of how to credit musicians:

Music by: Name of musician "name of song"

or

Music: "Name of Song" by Name of Musician"

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Your voiceover narration will need to be "covered" by images that are appropriate to the story you're telling. Whether using simple or complex methods, this video explores the choices that can be made when creating or selecting images for your digital story.

A Note on Image Size:

It is important to consider the pixel size of any image you use in your video. You want it to be at least as large as the video format, otherwise it will lose image quality and possibly even look pixelated.

If you are using standard HD format for your videos, the pixel size 1920 (width) x 1080 (height). Think of this as being around 2000 pixels. When you look for photos online, or produce images of your own, they should be at least 2000 pixels wide.

If you decide to use the smaller HD format for your videos, the pixel size is 1280 (width) x 720. So, you will need images that are at least 1280 pixels wide (or 1500 pixels wide if you plan to scale up your images*).

*scaling images: To create movement with your images, you may want to slightly scale up (push in/crop) your images up during the video, so it is best to use images that are slightly larger than the video format size, to allow for scaling up.

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Video and Image Sources:

Original photos and video clips of your subject will greatly enhance your digital story, add to the authenticity and demonstrate a unique point of view. So, it is recommended that you use as much original content as possible.

However, if you need to add a clip of video that you are not able to capture yourself, there are a few options:

Stock video and stock images can be found online for use in your project. Various sites make it possible to purchase (i.e., license the right to use) video clips for use in a project without needing to add attribution. Shutterstock (Links to an external site.) is a popular choice for finding and licensing stock video (they also license images and music).

It is also possible to find some stock video that is free to use. Pexels.com (Links to an external site.) is one example of a collection of video clips that are free to use without needing to add attribution. When searching for usable video clips online, it is important to check the rules on each site to be sure that you are allowed to use the clips in the way that you intend to use them, and that you credit properly, if required. If there is not information about using a clip, assume the clip has a copyright and should not be used.

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Will you be using a mobil device to record video or audio for your digital story? This video provides tips to set you up for success.

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If you plan to use any images that you don't create (photos, illustrations, drawings, etc) it's important to be sure that you have the right to use them.

This video explains one way to search for images online that are free to use in your project, and how to find out if accreditation or permission is needed.

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Once you have all of your media created and collected, it's time to assemble it.

Find software that matches your level of video editing ability in order to assemble your digital story.

If you have made a two column script, refer to it to organize the material you will be assembling.

This video provides general tips to consider during the editing process.

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Watch this screen capture video of a simple slideshow build with Adobe Spark.

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No matter where you decide to publish your digital story, this video provides a few things to consider: