Virtual Workshop - Rainbow Family Tree2024-03-29T06:24:20Zhttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/forum/categories/virtual-workshop/listForCategory?categoryId=3740708%3ACategory%3A208&%3Bpage=2&feed=yes&xn_auth=noSession Seven : Rewards/Challenges...tag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-09-25:3740708:Topic:8722009-09-25T01:09:18.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
What have been the biggest <b>challenges</b> for you so far? Time? Technical aptitude? Motivation? The website?<br />
<br />
What have been the biggest <b>rewards</b>? Creative stimulation? Engaging with other storytellers? Dreaming about the impact that your story will have?<br />
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We'll ask again when all is done and dusted... and I, for one, am sure that the scales will be heavily weighted on the <i>'this was SO worth it'</i> side ; )
What have been the biggest <b>challenges</b> for you so far? Time? Technical aptitude? Motivation? The website?<br />
<br />
What have been the biggest <b>rewards</b>? Creative stimulation? Engaging with other storytellers? Dreaming about the impact that your story will have?<br />
<br />
We'll ask again when all is done and dusted... and I, for one, am sure that the scales will be heavily weighted on the <i>'this was SO worth it'</i> side ; ) Session Six : HELP!tag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-09-22:3740708:Topic:8372009-09-22T01:16:21.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
We're over half way and you're starting to stress... the <u><b>9th October</b></u> deadline is looming... remember it IS hard, but NOT impossible!<br />
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<b><i>We are here to help!</i></b><br />
<br />
But you need to tell us <i>right now</i> where you're at and what you need ; )<br />
<br />
Awaiting your post...
We're over half way and you're starting to stress... the <u><b>9th October</b></u> deadline is looming... remember it IS hard, but NOT impossible!<br />
<br />
<b><i>We are here to help!</i></b><br />
<br />
But you need to tell us <i>right now</i> where you're at and what you need ; )<br />
<br />
Awaiting your post... Session Five : Boiling, Posting, Testingtag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-09-18:3740708:Topic:8102009-09-18T01:43:03.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
Your tasks for the next couple of days are simple...<br />
<br />
<b><i>REFLECT</i></b> over your draft story (and boil it down to it's essence)<br />
<i><b>POST</b></i> it here so your test audience can offer feedback... it'll save you time weeding out the slow irrelevant bits later...<br />
Do a <b><i>TEST</i></b> voice recording to make sure your computer is up for recording <i>quality audio.</i><br />
<br />
All good? Then it's time to take the plunge! Take a deep breath... go back into the experiences you're describing in…
Your tasks for the next couple of days are simple...<br />
<br />
<b><i>REFLECT</i></b> over your draft story (and boil it down to it's essence)<br />
<i><b>POST</b></i> it here so your test audience can offer feedback... it'll save you time weeding out the slow irrelevant bits later...<br />
Do a <b><i>TEST</i></b> voice recording to make sure your computer is up for recording <i>quality audio.</i><br />
<br />
All good? Then it's time to take the plunge! Take a deep breath... go back into the experiences you're describing in your story and give it a shot. Now do another version at <i>half that speed!</i><br />
<br />
If you're worried about audio quality get in touch ASAP so we can help you find a good solution!<br />
<br />
AND don't forget, have fun! Participate in the storytelling community so you can enjoy the collective buzz! Session Four : Q & Atag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-09-15:3740708:Topic:7872009-09-15T00:09:15.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
What software will you be using to create your digital story? (e.g MovieMaker or iMovie, plus Audacity/PhotoPlus/photoshop.com...)<br />
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Have you successfully downloaded and read the relevant <a href="http://www.rainbowfamilytree.com/group/rainbowfamilytreevirtualstorytellers" target="_blank">Help Manuals?</a><br />
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Have you undertaken a tutorial in one of the manuals? How did it go?<br />
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Have you opened and saved a 'new project' in your edit software yet?<br />
<br />
Have you downloaded and understood the…
What software will you be using to create your digital story? (e.g MovieMaker or iMovie, plus Audacity/PhotoPlus/photoshop.com...)<br />
<br />
Have you successfully downloaded and read the relevant <a href="http://www.rainbowfamilytree.com/group/rainbowfamilytreevirtualstorytellers" target="_blank">Help Manuals?</a><br />
<br />
Have you undertaken a tutorial in one of the manuals? How did it go?<br />
<br />
Have you opened and saved a 'new project' in your edit software yet?<br />
<br />
Have you downloaded and understood the <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655613575?profile=original" target="_blank">legal release form?</a><br />
<br />
Have you written a draft of your 250 words (if so we'd love to read a version of it at <a href="http://www.rainbowfamilytree.com/forum/topics/session-two-whats-your-story" target="_blank">Session Two : What's your story?)<br />
</a><br />
Have you started listing images/photos/music sound effects you'd like to use? Do you need to get permission from people in your photos? Need tips on how to ask?<br />
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Are you ready to undertake a test voice recording of your narration? (If not it's time to read the relevant section of the relevant Help Guide!) Session Three : My status quo is...tag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-09-11:3740708:Topic:7042009-09-11T01:08:27.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
Let us all know how you're going? Has it been confusing/a breeze finding your way around the site? Has it been weird/easy offering feedback to people you sort of don't really know yet? Are you overwhelmed by what you've taken on... or just excited by all the stories you'd like to make?<br />
<br />
All or some of the above is kind of normal at this point but until you've shared with others you won't know that ; )
Let us all know how you're going? Has it been confusing/a breeze finding your way around the site? Has it been weird/easy offering feedback to people you sort of don't really know yet? Are you overwhelmed by what you've taken on... or just excited by all the stories you'd like to make?<br />
<br />
All or some of the above is kind of normal at this point but until you've shared with others you won't know that ; ) Session Two : What's your story?tag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-09-08:3740708:Topic:6142009-09-08T01:02:33.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
<b><u>Workshop Blog - Session Two</u></b><br />
Hi all! Hope you're settling in and finding your way around OK... just to re-cap... make sure you have:<br />
<br />
1 - joined the Virtual Storytellers group so that you receive the workshop tips I'll be posting to the group<br />
2 - download the 'How to make a Digital Story' manual <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655613965?profile=original">RFT_Overview.pdf</a><br />
3 - check the workshop blog for updates on Tuesday and Friday mornings<br />
4 -…
<b><u>Workshop Blog - Session Two</u></b><br />
Hi all! Hope you're settling in and finding your way around OK... just to re-cap... make sure you have:<br />
<br />
1 - joined the Virtual Storytellers group so that you receive the workshop tips I'll be posting to the group<br />
2 - download the 'How to make a Digital Story' manual <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655613965?profile=original">RFT_Overview.pdf</a><br />
3 - check the workshop blog for updates on Tuesday and Friday mornings<br />
4 - <i>participate</i> in activities posted on the workshop forum...<br />
5 - download the legal release, sign and e:mail/post back to me ; )<br />
<br />
I can't emphasise the PARTICIPATE point enough! At this point, if we were all in a room together... we'd be nervously commencing the STORY CIRCLE... which is what we'll be doing on-line in the workshop forum between now and Friday.<br />
<br />
A digital storytelling workshop normally involves a fair bit of camaraderie and much-needed mutual support. The first one I ran, I chose to make a story too... and I had invited my Dad to be part of the group. I wanted to explore the difficult subject of how my sister and I talked about sexuality/christianity to our kids. I was really nervous about Dad knowing all about this as, in our family, we don't really talk about stuff and mostly he finds out what's going on via my Mum.<br />
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It turned out he was really encouraging... when I was worried that I was being too confrontational, his response was something like 'better out than in!'. My finished product is here - 'Dear Sister'<br />
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I tell this story because it's now time for us to <i>share...</i> this may bring up all sorts of shy/reluctant/obstinate 'I'll do it on my own terms!' responses in some of you... but, if you can manage to do it, it's worth it... and let's face it, the story you're about to make may well be quite revealing (as all the best ones are)... for me, I'd rather practice all the tricky self-exposure stuff in a safe space before venturing out into the big wide world out there...<br />
<br />
For those of you who are looking ahead and wondering when we start the actual technology stuff - this is the rough schedule for the next five weeks (also in the overview guide)<br />
<u><br />
Week One - Session One</u><br />
Intro to Digital Storytelling – overview and some examples<br />
Who am I? Why am I here? Name games… and a few sentences about your story<br />
<u><br />
Week One - Session Two</u><br />
Write down and share about 250 words about your story<br />
Find 10-15 photos or images to ‘bring it to life’<br />
Together these elements form your draft script<br />
<br />
<u>Week Two - Session Three</u><br />
How to Edit – introductory concepts<br />
Setting up your project, Software tutorials<br />
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<u>Week Two - Session Four</u><br />
Recording a ‘guide track’ voiceover<br />
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<u>Week Three - Session Five</u><br />
How to Edit 2 – Creative choices for sound and picture<br />
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<u>Week Three - Session Six</u><br />
Finding music/sound FX/images on-line<br />
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<u>Week Four - Session Seven</u><br />
Photo editing (PhotoPlus or photoshop.com)<br />
Sound editing (Audacity)<br />
<br />
<u>Week Four - Session Eight</u><br />
Pulling it together<br />
<u><br />
Week Five - Session Nine</u><br />
Fine tuning and tech checks<br />
<u><br />
Week Five - Session Ten</u><br />
Export and Upload<br />
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If you'd like to skip ahead and start familiarising yourself with the technology - download the MovieMaker guide (if you're on a PC) or iMovie (if you're on a Mac).<br />
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But remember... 90% of the hard work is working out what your story is about and who you're making it for... see you at the workshop forum for further exploration of all that ; )<br />
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<b><u>Session Two Activity</u></b><br />
Whether it's about some goofy thing that happened at the supermarket or some profound and identity-shaping memory... the stories we tell often get better in the re-telling. We watch people's reactions to the various plot points and descriptions of key characters... and we elaborate upon the 'good bits' and skip over the boring parts. A good digital story does the same thing - short (maximum 3 minutes) with a clear beginning, middle and end. With images and sometimes music that offer another level of meaning to the carefully chosen words. Of course there are heaps of good stories that don't fit the conventions... but 'conventional' is not necessarily a bad place to start.<br />
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There are lots of storytelling tips in the 'How to' guide... Who is your story for? What is it's main 'point'? What feeling (or questions) do you want viewers to come away with?<br />
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Session Two's <b><i>Activity</i></b> is all about helping us discover the 'essence' of our story... and making that message is communicated clearly and simply. It really helps to get feedback from other storytellers - but make sure, when you're offering feedback, you do so with respect and consideration.<br />
<br />
So now... don't think too much about it... tell us what you're thinking of making a story about. What kind of images and music will you put with it. Don't censor/edit... just 'blah!' You might find yourself using parts of this exploration in your actual narration, down the track... Session One : The Name Gametag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-08-29:3740708:Topic:3472009-08-29T01:10:37.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
<b><u>Workshop Blog - Session One</u></b><br />
<b><i>WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?</i></b><br />
<br />
Hi all! Welcome!<br />
<br />
It's just possible that I'm as nervous here as I would be if I were standing at the front of a tutorial room doing the intro session... doesn't feel that different (I've just made a long list of things I must remember to say!!).<br />
<br />
However, because we're working in a written medium, I'm going to endeavour to keep it short, simple and sweet!<br />
<br />
This is session one of ten that will take place over the…
<b><u>Workshop Blog - Session One</u></b><br />
<b><i>WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?</i></b><br />
<br />
Hi all! Welcome!<br />
<br />
It's just possible that I'm as nervous here as I would be if I were standing at the front of a tutorial room doing the intro session... doesn't feel that different (I've just made a long list of things I must remember to say!!).<br />
<br />
However, because we're working in a written medium, I'm going to endeavour to keep it short, simple and sweet!<br />
<br />
This is session one of ten that will take place over the next five weeks. Whilst members of the Digital Storytelling workshop will be actually CREATING stories, the rest of you (mentors, facilitators, researchers, designers etc) are invited to actively participate... I'm hoping you'll all make an effort to get to know one another, just as you would if we were all in the same room. To help this happen - please join whatever groups you're interested in and 'friend' as many interesting people as possible. From time to time I'll be posting questions and activities 'tailored' for each groups interests, in an effort to lure you into forum discussions. If you've got something you want to talk about please feel free to start your own thread.<br />
<br />
Right! Enough housekeeping!<br />
<br />
Firstly, have you downloaded the overview manual? DO IT NOW!<br />
'How do I make a Digital Story' <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655613979?profile=original">RFT_overview_manual.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Have you watched some of the other stories on the site? They'll give you an idea of what you've gotten yourself in for : ) <i>PLEASE, PLEASE</i> post comments to tell the storytellers what you thought, how their tale made you feel, whether there are people you'd like to share their story with... many of them are here in the RFT space as mentors but don't forget they are just starting on the journey of sharing their story with the world, so they're keen to hear from you!<br />
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You may also like to have a look at digital stories on some of the sites in the 'interesting links' forum... and if you find some favourites let us know!<br />
<b><u><br />
Session One Activity</u></b><br />
Tell a story about your <b>name</b>... how did you get it? Did you get hassled at school because of it? Have you made your own modifications?<br />
<br />
Ultimately the point is: like our identity (gender, sexual, metaphysical etc) we don't normally have a lot of control over how we are labelled... however, we <i>can</i> choose how we'll live with our names, just as we choose how we'll define ourselves...<br />
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If doing this gets you thinking more about <b>identity</b> you might want to post some thoughts on the <i>'GLBTQIA'</i> forum...<br />
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You might also like to add a few sentences on why you're here... what you're hoping to get out of the whole 'Rainbow Family Tree' experience ; ) PhotoPlustag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-08-15:3740708:Topic:2062009-08-15T06:25:30.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
Use this space if you have any questions or answers about PhotoPlus...
Use this space if you have any questions or answers about PhotoPlus... Audacitytag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-08-15:3740708:Topic:2052009-08-15T06:24:54.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
Use this space if you have any questions or answers about Audacity...<br />
<br />
Audacity is free sound editing software for both Mac and PC.<br />
<br />
iMovie allows you to work with 2 soundtracks, so if you want 3 you'll need Audacity. MovieMaker only allows one soundtrack so if you'd like voiceover and/or music and/or sound effects that <i>overlap</i> you'll need Audacity.<br />
<br />
We suggest you edit your images and voiceover together in order to get the timing <i>just right</i> before you export your sound into…
Use this space if you have any questions or answers about Audacity...<br />
<br />
Audacity is free sound editing software for both Mac and PC.<br />
<br />
iMovie allows you to work with 2 soundtracks, so if you want 3 you'll need Audacity. MovieMaker only allows one soundtrack so if you'd like voiceover and/or music and/or sound effects that <i>overlap</i> you'll need Audacity.<br />
<br />
We suggest you edit your images and voiceover together in order to get the timing <i>just right</i> before you export your sound into Audacity. Then you can add music or sound effects that synchronise with the voiceover, knowing that they'll all 'fit' with your images.<br />
<br />
If this sounds like gobbledeegook you need to read the manual and do the tutorial exercise! You'll need a folder of 'assets' that you can download from the <b><i><a href="http://www.rainbowfamilytree.com/group/rainbowfamilytreevirtualstorytellers" target="_blank">VIrtual Storytellers Group</a></i></b> or down below: iMovietag:rainbowfamilytree.com,2009-08-15:3740708:Topic:2042009-08-15T06:24:22.000ZRainbow Family Treehttp://rainbowfamilytree.com/profile/SonjaVivienne
Use this space if you have any questions or answers about iMovie...<br />
Down below please find an overview guide we prepared earlier ; )
Use this space if you have any questions or answers about iMovie...<br />
Down below please find an overview guide we prepared earlier ; )