Using Photostory to Create Historical Documentaries

I have already extolled the virtues of Microsoft Photostory in a previous post, so I won't go into exhaustive detail about the program itself.  Instead, this post will focus on curricular applications for Photostory.

For those unfamiliar with the program, Photostory, available as a free download from Microsoft, allows users to create sophisticated photo slideshows quickly and easily.  Its interface is simple enough that even grade ones can master it, yet it provides enough depth for older students and adults.  For those interested in learning how to use Photostory, Elearning has created a number of video tutorials which walk the user through the process (click "log in as guest").

Two things make Photostory particularly adept at creating historical documentaries:  its application of The Ken Burns effect and its facility for recording voice-over narration directly within the program.

The Ken Burns Effect, which takes its name from the documentary film maker, adds pans and zooms to still images, making an otherwise static presentation more dynamic.  While Photostory adds these effects by default, older students (grades 4/5 and up) can easily learn how to manage these effects.   For example, a student might choose to begin viewing a family photo in full view and then zoom in on the particular individual who is the subject of his documentary or of his commentary at the moment.

Photostory also includes a simple but effective voice recording tool which allows students to record their documentary script with ease.  Student can even type their script into an on-screen text box to use a prompt while recording.  And Photostory will automatically extend the duration of a slide to match the length of the recorded script.

Here are some suggestions for the application of Photostory within the classroom:

• Students create a documentary on a particular explorer (Grade 5, 8, or 12 Social Studies)
• Students document a particular historical event or figure.
• Students document a particular literary figure (This could include a reading of the author's work.)
• Students document a particular scientific figure, event, or discovery.
• Students document their family trees in video format.
• Students create safety videos with still images and voice-overs (much easier and faster than true video editing).
• Students create personal day-in-the-life-of videos using still images.

The procedure for creating these video projects might go something like this:

1. Students create a storyboard which determines the images they will need to tell their story.
2. Students search for and collect images (historical documentary), scan images (family tree) or shoot images (day-in-the-life-of) as needed to tell their story.
3. Students create a narrative script to accompany each image.
4. Students assemble the images and narrate their documentary within Photostory.
5. Students render their creation as a single movie file.
6. Option:  If the students' creations are in no way personal, another option would be to upload their video creations to Youtube.

If you are interested in learning how to use Photostory, consult the video tutorials or contact your Elearning Catalyst Teacher.