{ Digital Storytelling in EFL classrooms By Svetlana Kuznetsova

Digital stories are short, personal, multimedia pieces that people can make for themselves. They're 'mini-movies’. They can combine: Photographs Video Animation Sound Music Narrative voice Daniel Meadows

The Pros of DS in EFL classroom Digital Storytelling Projects develop: Speaking Listening Writing Reading Creative thinking Computer literacy Learner Autonomy Confidence They can be used with students of any level.

Part I Working with the New York Times DS project “One in Eight Million”

What is ‘One in 8 Million’?

For classroom use choose a slow speaker, e.g. The Walker; Pre-watching – Prediction task Pre-watching – Guess the title task While-watching task – Comprehension questions While-watching task – Think of a suitable story After-watching – Write a story for the voiceover After-watching – Vocabulary work; Discussion

Compelling stories Beautiful photographs Listening to different varieties of English Transcribing speeches Learning interesting words and phrases Authenticity of the material

PART 2: CREATING A DIGITAL STORY PROJECT INTRODUCING YOURSELF IN SOUND/IMAGE To improve four language skills To expand technology literacy To develop learner autonomy To build confidence

Project Steps Think of a story idea Write a narrative for the voiceover Submit the text for correction Improve the text Select photos for the story Arrange the photos in sequence Record the narrative Choose the soundtrack (if you wish) Put all the pieces together

Student feedback about the project ‘The project helped to improve my pronunciation.’ ‘The part I liked the most was making the video for my story.’ ‘Choosing the pictures was the best part. I looked through a lot of pictures that brought back some memories.’ ‘I learned a lot of new words when writing the script.’ ‘I finally learned to work with Windows Movie Maker. It’s easy to use.’ ‘I loved watching my mates’ presentations.’

Thank you for attention! Svetlana Kuznetsova