Introduction to Digital Storytelling - Student

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Introduction to Digital Storytelling

What You’ll Learn In this lesson, you will explore how stories are created in digital media. You’ll take a closer look at your favorite TV shows to understand the roles characters play in storytelling. You will also work in a group to create your own story inspired by a single image, comparing your perspectives and learning how your unique experiences shape your storytelling.

What to Expect

  • Duration: 2 days
  • Activities: Icebreaker, TV show analysis, group storytelling activity, discussions, and reflections

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get to Know Each Other

    • Start with a fun icebreaker like “Two Truths and a Lie” to warm up and get comfortable sharing ideas with the class.

  2. Dive Into Your Favorite TV Shows

    • Think of your favorite TV show and share it with the class.

    • Together, we’ll break down a few shows to understand the different types of characters:

      • Protagonist: The main character driving the story.
      • Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist.
      • Instigator: The character who sparks conflict or change.

    • Discuss how these characters contribute to the story’s development.

  3. Create a Story from an Image

    • In small groups, choose one of the following images provided by your teacher:

    Backlit figure of a young girl on stage, holding a microphone and standing before bright blue stage lights, evoking a performance moment under the spotlight.

    Black and white photo of a small cat standing playfully on a lit bridge at night, facing a person wearing casual pants and sneakers, creating a quiet yet whimsical moment of interaction.

    Black and white image of a busy subway station, featuring blurred figures of people in motion with luggage, rows of turnstiles, and illuminated advertisements on the walls, capturing the fast-paced urban environment.

    Person sitting on the edge of a dramatic rock ledge, legs dangling, against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and distant green mountains, evoking a sense of freedom and adventure. * Work together to write a story inspired by your selected image. Think about:

    • What’s happening in the image?
    • Who are the characters? What roles do they play?
    • What’s the setting, and what emotions does it evoke?
    • Make sure to share your ideas and listen to everyone in your group.

  4. Share and Reflect

    • Present your story to your group.

    • Compare and contrast how each of you interpreted the image. Discuss:

      • What influenced your perspective? (e.g., personal experiences, feelings, or memories)
      • How did those influences shape your version of the story?

    • Write a short reflection on what you learned about your group members through their stories.

Why This Matters Storytelling is everywhere, from movies to social media posts. Understanding how stories work helps you communicate your ideas and connect with others.

Outcome: What You Will Create

  • A group story based on an image
  • A reflection on what you learned about your group members
  • A deeper understanding of character roles and storytelling in digital media

Credits

Image by Tiến Đỗ Mạnh from Pixabay

Image by Nicolás from Pixabay

Images from Pixabay