Blog 3

For a couple of years, I have wanted to tell my story. My story of triumph, failure, heartbreak, love, loss, gains, successes, and defeat, but with a humorous tone. I was once told from a former mentor that "everyone has a book in them, they just have to have the courage to tell it." I feel this. I feel that I have a story to tell and I would love for the reader to be able to not only relate to my story, but be able to take away a positive perspective of my story. 

Ohler's stages definitely resonates with the story I can tell:

* Call to adventure- The main character has a problem, challenge, question or desire. My story would tackle all of these. With the loss of my husband completing suicide, the death of my Mom, my longtime boyfriend leaving, and the sickness of my Dad, I have faced challenges, but in those dark moments came light. I got a wonderful daughter-in-law and son-in-law, a grandbaby, and perspective on the world. With all of these ups and downs, I had to search for the humor in it all, because at the end of the day, we sometimes just have to laugh at the ridiculousness of our situations. 

* Problem/Conflict- I have had more than my fair share of problems, some by my own accord and some, just from the universe-either way, there were lessons to be learned. From an early age, I was exposed to some problems that no kid should experience, to no fault of my own. These challenges and conflicts helped me see the world from a new lens. These problems were not meant to be experienced by anyone, let alone a child, but I didn't use my challenges and problems as crutches, but as lessons. I would like to share these in a broader story, someday. 

*Transformation-  I feel this is a work in progress. I have managed to raise two wonderful kids, graduate college with a Masters and working on my second and have a successful career in education for the past 27 years. I also have lost a significant amount of weight, hopefully lending to a few more years of life, in return. 

* Resolution/Return- Probably the most difficult for me to recognize is this. I know all of the above things have helped me evolve for the better, but it always hard for me to see this in myself. 

To map and develop, I have to take a look inside and really think about the story that I want to tell. What conflict(s) am I comfortable discussing? What is it that I want to accomplish in my storytelling? What obstacles must I overcome or did I have to overcome? Does the story even matter? This would start with me introducing the characters and the situation(s). What are the problems that I need to resolve and what am I willing to do to resolve the problem or these issues? What is the climax of the story and then finally, what does my life/world look like now that there has been a transformation? 

Ideally, my story would be used as a teaching tool for students to develop their own story. I would show my students how my story introduces characters, conflicts and challenges, struggle, growth and transformation and then finally reflection and meaning. Stories are not just about events that have taken place but about the change that comes from these events. 

I would also use my story to teach digital storytelling skills by using storyboarding techniques, scripting voiceover narration, showing how sound and image choices can reflect emotion and how pacing and timing can make or break a story. By sharing my own story, I would hope this would open up the possibility of my students becoming more present and vulnerable. 

This could be used in the following ways:

* ELA- model narrative writing techniques

* Social Studies- demonstrate perspective and cultural identity

* Science-connect learning to curiosity

* Technology-show responsible media and technology use

ISTE Standards:

* Empowered Learner

* Digital Citizen

* Knowledge Constructor

* Innovative Designer

* Creative Communicator

* Global Collaborator

There are some wonderful editing and storyboarding tools like:

* Google Docs

* Jamboard

* Graphic Organizers

* Microsoft Word

* Google Slides

* Storyboard That

* Canva

* Audacity

* iMovie

* Flip

* Padlet

* Pixton

Ohler's readings has been useful because he reminds us that storytelling is about meaning and transformation. He shows that the story isn't just about making a video but about helping the learners communicate a real and personally meaningful story. Ohler's story arc of-character to challenge to transformation gives students a path to follow. He also emphasizes that the story should come first and the technology should come second. This prevents students from jumping straight into the digital tool realm by showing them that the story should be mapped, followed by script writing and then creating a storyboard before digital tools are introduced. Ohler provides both conceptual understanding and the practical tools needed to help students develop a meaningful digital story by showing that the story and the personal transformation are the key to the process and not the digital tools. 

Ohler, J. (2023). How to make a story: Process notes. Story Concepts. http://storyconcepts.blogspot.com/