Reflections on Creating a Digital Photo Story

I finally finished my first digital story. I didn't find it particularly difficult . . . once I got started. I just had problems moving past all the fears I began experiencing when I first looked through the week's assignments. As quickly as I would begin to think about my digital story, fear reared its ugly head and I would hesitate; often finding something (anything!) else to do!

One of the ways I procrastinated was to read and reread the Week 1 readings. As I read the Digital Storytellers Cookbook, Joe Lambert was able to put into words exactly how I was feeling: "For some, conceiving an idea for a story is an easy process; for others it is the beginning of a crisis. . . . We informally tell stories all the time, but the conscious construction of story call up mental blocks" (Lambert, 2006).

Encouraged, I began to work . . . uploaded the pictures I wanted to use, collaborating on the script, recording the narrations for the slides, previewing, and reworking. Finally, I felt it was ready to turn in. I had a little difficulty uploading the file to YouTube, and figuring out how to link it to my Wiki, but I eventually got it.

My final work is not perfect, but I am proud of it. I tried something new! And now that I've created a digital story, I know my next effort will be better (and easier -- emotionally). And even better the third time I create a digital story. I feel even a little smug.

References:
Lambert, J. (2006). Digital storytelling cookbook, 1-30. Story Center. Retrieved June 2, 2009 from http://www.storycenter.org/cookbook.pdf.