For the past few years digital storytelling fundamentals have been explored through experts such as Bernajean Porter and AFI. This session will take the fundamentals and go the next step by:
*creating interactive stories using their Interactive White Boards
*exploring Internet tools when software is not available
*Researching and collaborating safely with tools such as netTrekker d.i.

Outline

I. Overview of Digital Storytelling (30 minutes)
II. Researching digital stories and collaboration (30 minutes) with hands on time to practice
III. Tools to create the stories online (45 minutes)
IV. Interactive Storytelling with Activ Boards (30 minutes)
V. Extra Hands On Time to Explore, Discuss, and share (45 minutes)

Supporting Research

*http://digitales.us/ and articles from Bernajean Porter explores the how
*http://www.storycenter.org/index1.html explores the why
*http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/StorytellingintheAgeofthe/42327?time=1223518148 explores the Internet and digital storytelling
*Forsyth held an integration training with a netTrekker d.i. certified trainer on digital storytelling and will share some of the best practices from that class as well.

Presenter Background

Jill Hobson is the Director of Instructional Technology for Forsyth County Schools. Jill is the lead district contact for the STARS project.
Her duties include working closely with the Academics and Accountability Department to ensure technology direction and initiatives coincide with current objectives and focus, facilitating the development and implementation of a unified technology staff development program, and working cooperatively with the school and ITS to ensure activities support the district’s mission and objectives. Jill was named one of the National School Board Association's "Twenty to Watch", a list of 20 emerging leaders in technology.

Previously, she served for 3 years as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Vickery Creek Middle School. In her tenure as ITS, Jill assisted in the initial implementation of Forsyth's wireless notebook project. Before becoming an ITS, she taught middle school in Winder, Georgia. Jill served in a variety of leadership roles within the school and district including serving as delivering the initial professional development opportunities in Barrow County on using the integrating the Internet into instruction. She has presented at a number of state and national conferences. Jill earned her Bachelors Degree in English Education from the University of Georgia and Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University.