2011 OSEP Leadership Mega Conference Collaboration to Achieve Success from Cradle to Career 2.0 Innovative Strategies for Supporting Families A Collaborative Approach in Massachusetts Presenter: Darla Gundler Strand: Early Childhood Presentation # 121-E

2011 OSEP Leadership Mega Conference Collaboration to Achieve Success from Cradle to Career 2.0 Digital Storytelling Darla Gundler Director, Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project Massachusetts Department of Public Health

What are Digital Stories? Three to five minute emotion based messaging tools which may include: – Photos – Clip art – Music – Spoken voice

Why Digital Stories? Impact – Seeing and hearing makes it come to life – Specific message instead of the family’s story – Different perspectives from diverse families Let’s see what a Digital Story looks like:

Digital Story Viewing

How are Digital Stories used in MA? Early Intervention Training Center – Training Staff and families Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project Group discussion using a guided viewing format – see handout as an example

Telling your story What information do I need? – What is your message? – What information can get your message across – Positive outlook – Easiest way to get your point across – How much do I share?

Digital Story Steps Think about your message – What was a positive experience? – How did program staff work assist your family to achieve this outcome? – How can you share that with others? – Are there specific examples?

Digital Story Steps Collect pictures – Photos you have taken – Photos of inanimate objects – Clip art (be certain it is not copywrited) You will need approximately 30 photos for a 3 minute story and 50 photos for a 5 minute story

Digital Story Steps Photos thoughts – Some photos on the internet are copyright protected and cannot be used – Think about the photos you have taken Are there other people in them? Are there other children in them? You will need permission from your EI staff people before you use

Digital Story Steps Writing your story – Create an outline – Link your pictures to the sections of your story? – Telling your story in chronological order is not necessary

Digital Story Steps Editing – Have someone else look at what you have written – Does it make sense to them – Are you getting your point across the way you want? – Read it out loud, does it still sound as you envisioned?

Digital Story Steps Recording – The microphone is scary – You can re-record all or part of the story – We can edit through software – Deep breaths help – Think about how fast you talk – Listen to the recording, is it as you envisioned?

Digital Story Steps Edit final product – Developer will need some feedback once it is put together – Remember: Everyone sees it in a different way, people are just trying to put their best ideas into a final product

Now you are done – now what? We will need signed releases for anyone other than your family in the photos What will happen to my story? – Can I get a copy to share with my family and friends? – Who can use it? – How will it be used? – Can I tell you to stop using it? – Will it be on a website for anyone to see?

Next Steps Consent Gathering photos Brainstorming Let’s watch one more digital story!

2 nd Digital Story Viewing