GENERAL:
There’s a lot going on with this project. Where do I find everything?
This WordPress is the main source of information for the Digital Storytelling Project. Whenever you have a question, you should come to this website first. Go to the homepage, “Overview & Deadlines,” for all the requirements and expectations of the project. Use the left-hand navigation panel for in-depth information for each assignment (due dates, file formats, assignment descriptions, and instructions). The navigation panel is organized chronologically.
Trunk is where you’ll submit all written assignments, under each folder in the Assignments tab. Under the Resources tab, you’ll see a handful of external files which will help you complete the Digital Storytelling Project. They will be referred to, as needed, throughout this website.
MediaMarkup is a Tufts-created video hosting platform, where your group will submit the Rough Cut and make Individual Peer Review comments.
Vimeo is an external video hosting platform, where your group will submit the final digital story.
Lastly, there will be a handful of external links throughout this website for more helpful resources, such as DDS guides, library tutorials, and more.
I can’t make it to your office hours to discuss issues with our project. What should I do?
Email your questions to the TA, or set up an appointment to discuss your issues in depth.
How will our videos be evaluated?
Your videos well be evaluated upon the strength of its purpose, factual content, storytelling organization, economy of presentation, quality of images, quality of audio, citations, and copyright attribution.
GROUP SET-UP & TOPIC SELECTION:
I don’t know who’s in my group. What do I do?
On Trunk, go to the Resources tab and the Digital Storytelling Project folder. Open the “Assigned_Groups_2017.xls”(PENDING) document to find your group. If you have further trouble, email the TA immediately.
I am having trouble with the Group Set-up GoogleForm. I am not sure it submitted properly. I would like to re-do an answer. What do I do?
You should have reached a confirmation page that said, “Thank you! Your responses have been recorded. Your instructors will get back to you soon with your group topic.” The confirmation page should have given you the opportunity to revise your answers, but only after your initial submission. If you have further concerns, email the TA.
Our group doesn’t like any of the topics and examples provided by the instructors. What should we do?
The instructors welcome any new topics for a digital story. Talk to them before or after class, or email both of them, to discuss. Do this before the deadline!
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
How do I know what sources are primary or secondary?
Primary sources are sources that are first-hand accounts and original documentation. They were written during or created as a result of original scientific research and events. Primary sources can be scholarly journal articles, like an article with new research findings, original documents, like manuscripts, and more.
Secondary sources are sources that interpret and analyze primary sources. They were written after the original events, and may be a response or reaction to one or many primary sources. Secondary sources can be textbooks, magazine articles, scholarly reviews, and more.
Both types of sources are equally important to the digital storytelling project. It is important to know the difference, distinguish their significance and validity accordingly, and use them appropriately. For more assistance, check out the Environmental Biology Research Guide.
How do I format my citations?
Follow the guide linked under, “Finding & Citing Resources.” You can follow the guide manually, or use citation managers. For more assistance, check out the Environmental Biology Research Guide.
How do we cite electronic articles & databases?
We cite all journal articles, whether found on the Internet or in hard copy the same way. This is because there are multiple ways to access an electronic article, via multiple databases and search terms, thus the method is irrelevant.
STORYBOARD:
How detailed do you want the storyboard to be? Right now, we have a basic outline in a word document, with an introduction, four main sections, and a conclusion. We don’t have any pictures yet, but they’re in our heads. Is this enough?
That is not enough. The criteria we will evaluate the storyboard is: “Purpose is clear and visuals and production details are complete. Major points of each panel are highlighted, and the overall story is cohesive.” The video treatment plan was like your written proposal to the digital story. From there, we expect groups to add actual images (or snapshots of images, visuals, and video), describe the production details (transitions, audio, narration), and have a complete script. The template provided should be easy for your group to use and create a thorough, well-organized storyboard.
The storyboard template asks for “production details.” What exactly are production details?
These are the logistical details of the video, such as slide transitions, length of each picture, music to be used, etc. Without considering these details in advance, your group risks the possibility of your digital story appearing like a recorded lecture. How dull!
Our group found a great video online, and we’d like to include an excerpt into our digital story. How much preexisting video/animation is allowed?
You are allowed to include existing video, animation, and other content as long as you follow copyright rules. The amount must be limited, so that the overall story is clearly your independent work. Your group should be telling your own story. Maximize the amount of original and repurposed content, and minimize the amount of appropriated content. Creative ways to work around this may be to use preexisting video with your own narration on top or cropping preexisting video to focus on a particularly insightful quote or scene. Use your best judgement.
Can I use an image/sound that I found using Google?
Yes, if it has the proper licensing. You may use free domain images, with author attributions, without obtaining permission. However, not all copyrighted images/sounds are created equal and you need to follow-up by checking the specific permissions/licensing information. If you have questions concerning this, please contact the course librarian, Nicole Nawalaniec, at nicole.nawalaniec@tufts.edu.
How do I find images/video/audio that are free from copyright and available for me to use without permission?
There are many databases nowadays with fair use content. Mainstream content hosting sites, such as Google, YouTube, and Flickr, have filters and search engines for various licenses, such as Creative Commons. Other sites, such as SoundCloud, have encompassing legal statements that describe terms of use and copyright information.
During the September 18th Tisch/DDS Workshop, Nicole and Marc will overview the basic guidelines and direct you to other databases with fair use content. The Environmental Biology Research Guide also gives details on websites that have free domain or limited restrictions on image use.
Do I need to turn in a bibliography with the storyboard?
Yes. We require you to submit a preliminary bibliography with the storyboard, and a final bibliography with the final digital story at the end of the semester. Both versions should include research, images, audio, and video – all unoriginal content to your group’s work.
Do I need to cite images and sounds in my video?
Yes. Please refer to the “Finding & Citing Resources” page for more information.
Does everything in our storyboard have to be finalized in the rough cut?
Yes, as much as possible, we want the storyboard to be your finalized plan before putting your video together. Things can change, like an updated photo, a better audio clip, or more appropriate transition; however, you should not expect or rely upon production time to still be piecing together the fundamentals of your video. If your group is running into issues, contact the TA to discuss.
VIDEO PRODUCTION:
Is the rough cut video part of our final grade?
No. This is an opportunity for you to receive helpful feedback from your peers. We will be evaluating you on the quality of peer review comments you give to your fellow students.
Do we need to turn a bibliography with our video for peer review?
No. Your group will eventually turn in a final bibliography to the instructors at the end of the semester.
I have never used iMovie/video editing software before. What do I do?
The Digital Design Studio at Tisch is a great resource for software, hardware, and help regarding video production. Marc Raila will be hosting an iMovie workshop during an open block, between the Storyboard and Rough Cut deadlines. Jamie Fanous is also experienced in iMovie and can help during her office hours or by appointment. Start early!