Discussion Assignment One
Review the two Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling websites (the previous version and the current version), including at least some of the digital story examples and then post a comment in which you begin discussing your initial assessment of the current website, In your posting, you may want to include:
- your overall impression of the site;
- what, if anything, should be changed, added or deleted that will make the site more useful as an educational resource;
- are there any materials on the site that don't look correct when using a particular web browser or an operating system other than Windows XP?
- what useful material, if any, is included on the earlier version of the site that is not found on the current site; and
- any other information you think should be discussed.
Then, remember to post at least 2 follow-up comments to some of the other postings on this topic.
Posts
36 comments:
Lynda thinks that the site looks professional. There is alot there though and it takes substantial time to navigate it all. I am not sure how much time a non IT major would spend checking it all out. I did find a non working link under Links...other DS sites. The Digital Storytelling Contests link couldn't be found. Also maybe you IT people can tell this old woman what to do about alot of things I can't view. I have a new computer running Office 2007 Vista with a 64 bit browser... I am always having to go to another browser to see things. What is the point of the browser I have if it doesn't work on alot of things? Ideas?
Also I think on the page that tells about the different storytelling programs a grid that is checked off in the boxes as to the attributes would be a great visual for those of us who either don't care about the technical or don't understand the technical and want a quick overview of the benefit of movie maker over photostory.
On another note I appreciate the link to novice digita stories by kids and teachers. It helps give teachers of children an idea on what could be done. I watched some of these cheesey stories under links... other sites... gives me hope for myself and my students.
I’m more familiar with the previous version of the web site because I used to surf it like reading my textbook when I took the course of creating DS some years ago. It was very good in format and resourceful in content. However, when taking a look at the current site, my first impression is “Wow! Beautiful!” I guess Dr. Robin and his assistants must have spent so much time on the changes. The graphics really hit home. The Stonehenge and the astronaut on the home page have created an eloquent metaphor. The collages on the following pages are also suitable and meaningful. The color scheme of the site also serves to pronounce the well-used art, well-chosen images and effectiveness of the visuals. I find this a great improvement.
The current site is also easier to read. Each section of the content is divided into smaller parts and presented in the right length when it appears on the screen, which helps the eye movement of the reader. In the previous site, each part just runs on and on to the end. This creates the feeling of having a vast space to cover, which impatient readers may dislike, though there is the “To the top” button at the bottom.
For the content, I think it takes time to consider, that means one needs to read and compare carefully before she can say which site is better or what should be changed. I intend to do this gradually during the course. In this initial comment, I would like to mention only three things about the new version. First, I have found spelling and grammar mistakes, very minor ones like slips of the fingers when typing, and very seldom. I believe the pages have been well edited, however, more eyes would find more faults. I don’t want to sound fault-finding with trivial things but the mistakes should not appear in an educational web site that is almost exemplarily perfect like this one. Second, this version does not have the “partners” page that was included in the previous site. I think this part should not be left out as it may form good sources of references for learners. Third, there are parts to be extended. I consider this web site a large resource for a very large audience who seek to teach and study with digital storytelling, so I expected it to have more examples (digital stories) in fields like ESL and language arts. I also expected the list of articles on DS to be longer. I know that this calls for more effort and time. I look forward to working, if possible, to improve these points.
Anh,
Your comments were very good and I agree that reviewing the new DS site will take time. Also, you mentioned that you found a few spelling and grammar mistakes but you did not say what they were. If you could please post another comment in which you identify the mistakes you made, and the page where you found them, they can be corrected right away, which I think would be a good thing.
So, if anyone else finds any mistakes, please let us know where they are too!
Although I should admit at the outset that I’m a bit biased, my overall impression of the new DS site is overwhelmingly positive. From a design and delivery point of view, the new site is far more user-friendly than its predecessor, and the use of graphics and color are much more mainstream and in line with current trends in web design and development.
The most obvious omission (at least for now) is the ability for visitors to add comments or feedback for each video submission; perhaps the integration of blogging technologies would work towards solving this problem. Either way, I really think the addition of user comments would bring the added value of peer review and feedback to the digital stories submitted. There might even be a ranking system of sorts, which could then cause the digital stories to appear indexed, with the top rated digital story first.
By adding a method for visitor comments and rating of stories, the site would then begin to build its own online community – similar to youtube, that would increase the sites overall visibility and allow greater opportunity for some of the site’s content to go viral on the web.
Oh yeah.. i forgot to mention the other suggestion: a search mechanism for the site. I think users might like the option of searching for stories based on key terms. This may not be necessary or important now (while the site is still somewhat easy to navigate); but as the site grows, it will be very difficult to see all the videos that match a potential user's (visitor's) interests.
-Shawn
Shawn...your ideas are great. Visitor comments on the digital stories could be helpful for those who are just starting out in digital storytelling and want to get feedback for what others consider to be an exemplary product. Also the search mechanism would be great.
- overall impression
#Title graphic design
I think title graphic is the most important factor for users to know what he/she is going to explore. Outstanding graphic design not only can impresses and interests users to go further, but makes the website to be viewed as professional and up-to-date.
The previous digital storytelling website obviously constructed years ago. Simply use text image is very clear, but not engaging. However, in the new version, Flash technology is used. Along with black background color, the glossy title text is prominent and impressed. Using astronaut and earth as the title image implies the realm of digital storytelling is broad and full of possiblities just like space, in my opinion.
#information
I think the previous one is content-oriented, but the information of the modern one is more organized. Too much information in a single webpage may cause users to scorll the page down to the end of the world. It's good to be a electronic text book, but not a webpage. The information of the new site is well-orchestrated, and easier for users to read without too much scrolling.
#navigation
The navigation bar is crucial for web designers to meditate seriously. A well designed user control interface will make it easier for users to navigate himself, whereas poor design will make users get lost in the ocean of webpages.
In the previous version, you will find every link represents a single page. The page breaks down into different sectons by using "tags" instead of pages, which makes the page too long and confusing sometimes. In addition, the links lead to other website are opened in the same windows. I think it should be better to open it in a blank window or tag. Fortunately, all of these are all improved in the new version. I think the designer really did a good job at this part.
- what, if anything, should be changed, added or deleted that will make the site more useful as an educational resource;
I think a disscuion forum, such as Phpbb(http://www.phpbb.com/) could be an option for further extension. It not only can help the digital storytelling website become more interactive and educational, but also push it to become a hub, a portal to the realm of educational uses of digital storytelling.
Other language support may extend the number of follower around the world. Since "digital storytelling" is the number 1 result of google search, I believed that educators from Taiwan, China or Japan would be more comfortable to read it in their native language.
- are there any materials on the site that don't look correct when using a particular web browser or an operating system other than Windows XP?
I am a vista user and it works perfect either using IE or Firefox.
The new DS website is clearly superior to the old version. It is aesthetically pleasing; however, I would've stuck to a more consistent backgroung scheme personally. I like the drop-down menu at the top. It is well organized and allows the user to find information easily. I didn't have any difficulty with the links I tried using different browsers (Google Chrome, Internet Explorer,and Apple Safari). They were all compatible.
The website covers a vast amount of information. It covers a pretty broad audience. I thought some of the pages needed elaboration such as the Health and Medical page. There were only a couple of examples and that was it.
I’m currently in Hawaii attending a meeting. I did not have problems viewing the video clips with the internet connection at home. However, I could not view the video clip on the home page or the Radiology video clip under the Examples Tab (Health Section). The problem may relate to the speed of the internet connection, since I’m currently using the ATT Sierra Wireless card.
The new DS website is very catching. It looks very professional and sophisticated. It is also very easy to navigate. The color scheme is overall appealing. I did find the color scheme on the Wiki and Blog page too be a bit too busy. The certain shade of blue and purple with red letter highlight did not fit in as well with the rest of the other pages.
Dr. Robin,
Sorry, I did not pinpointed them. Here they are:
1.Examples > ESL/language Learning: "By creating and narrating the projects, students will build hopefully build self-confidence and expression skills." The verb 'build' is repeated in this sentence.
2.Evaluate > Rubrics : "On good source is Rubistar, where you will find some pre-made evaluation options as well as information on how to create you own evaluation resources." It should be "One/a good source is Rubistar...."
Leon,
I really like your comments on the current web site. I also share many of your remarks. The good thing is you have made clear points of the aspects you are talking about of the web site.
I agree that we should have other languages in our web site, but which languages to add is a big issue to disuss. What is more, the versions in other languages need to be as good as the English one or else, it would mar the value of the original. This raises the questions of how to find good translators or writers in other languages and to what extent the web is translated.
Another thing is the discussion forum. While this is wonderful as a channel to collect comments and remarks in order to make the web site perfect, I'm afraid that it may be turned into a kind of chat room with expressions like "Hm...What d U 2 think?" or "Argh!Tough topic!" because everyone can visit our web.
Please understand that I do not go against your sugesstions. On the other hand, I see their points, but I'm cautious with how to carry them out.
Shawn,
I like the idea of builing a rating system to evaluate the digital stories. The perspective of having a whole community of audience like that of YouTube is exciting and challenging at the same time. YouTube has good and bad experiences with its audience and the types of videos uploaded to it. I don't think we are in any chances in the same boat because our web site is quite different from it in many aspects, especially the selection of the materials to be posted. We may have to have a group of editors whose only job is screening the content of DS sent to be uploaded on the site. (Just following the stream of your ideas).
I remember that when I first saw the old site (about a year ago), I thought that it looked a little bit dated and a little bit simple. The new site has definitely corrected these problems.
The graphics are GORGEOUS, lush, bright colors, appealing, and work well together. It's truly a beautiful site, which I think is important, as you are trying to sell people on another visual medium.
Lauren, you mentioned having a more consistent background scheme. I can see your point; having dramatically different backgrounds on each sub-page detracts from the feeling that you are looking at one coherent site. On the other hand, the graphics are so beautiful, and tie the page to its content so well, that I would hesitate to change it. The top banner does provide some of the continuity.
One thing I did not like was that you wouldn't choose a large menu from the tool bar, but had to choose a subcategory (for example, you cannot choose "Essentials," but must choose a subheading on the drop-down). It is not always clear what the sub-headings are going to be (ie, 7 Elements). Maybe have sub-pages, with a similar design to the home page of the old site (info on each heading so you know what you want?)
The content on the new site is better organized and more thorough. No problems here for me. I think it's a great overview of the topic, with resources for newbies and for those wanting to advance.
I also viewed the site using the Google Chrome browser, and everything worked fine (and Chrome tends to crash a lot, so that's really saying something.)
In response to Leon and Anh's discussion about having a discussion forum -- this definitely has pros and cons, and I think the answer depends on what you want the site to be. If you want a hub, a community, then of course you need a discussion board. But I'm not sure that's what this site is for...it seems to be an educational resource site, with one of its strengths being that it is professionally done. (Nothing detracts from a professional feel like l33t sp34k, as Ahn points out.) Maybe just a way to submit comments to Dr. Robin, who could then make additions if he saw fit?
After reading Deidre's comment about the ineffeciency of the menu, I thought about a way to make the menu more user specific so that you wouldn't have to keep going back to find information. This would probably require lots of work to complete, since it requires restructuring the site menu. I was thinking, on the home page (with the inroduction), we could have a simple menu that allows the user to choose what kind of educator they are (i.e. Pre-K-12, University, Health/Medical, International, etc..). I don't know what the technical term for this is, but it's like the ones that many university websites have for students, faculty, staff, and so forth. By telling the website who you are, it takes you to a page that will have information that is relevant to what you do, so that you don't have to keep searching an extensive menu.
Leon,
YOur idea of having a information for international students and educators in different languages can be fulfilled under "international." Of course, the downside is that it would take a considerable amount of time to complete... you'd have to find people who are fluent in the different languages you want to include to translate.
I was a graphic designer about a 100 years ago. But the time duration has not really changed the way I look at things from a visual point of view. The same goes for the DS website. Ok, first impression of the older version of the site - it think it is super cool. I loved the graphics, the way different graphics flow for each of the pages, but still maintains the consistency of the website, the flow of text around and over the graphics, use of colors, giving an overall harmonious look to the whole site. I really like this one visually...looks right out of a Webby Awards nominee kind of site. The previous version is also very very informative with lots to read and learn about. That can be a bit of a bother. The drop down menu looks cool but sometimes the dropping down and selecting the link and scrolling down the page to read is a bit much for a lazy browser like myself. Now the new version is really concise, to-the-point and very very user friendly. I didn't get 'fatigued' while browsing the new site as I did with the older version. The new site, thankfully, doesn't have the drop down links that I dread for every website. Therefore, moving around the site is pretty easy. The text is larger, without funky backgrounds (that actually looked cool on the other site) and clear to read. I love to use different browsers so the site looks fine in all kinds. A lot of the links that are there in the previous site (like Web2.0, Tutorials etc) are still not there on the newer version. I think a vertical menu would look good instead of a horizontal drop down. It can be worked around the super cool header graphic and in a 3-grid kind of layout. I know, sounds too graphic-ky! Ok, another idea that I had was that maybe all the theoretical content of the DS site such as the Educational uses, Goals, Articles etc could all be put in some kind of a PDF booklet which can be available for download on the site. This would reduce some of the links. Then only web links to view examples, hear podcasts etc can be there. I hope I am making myself clear. At the moment these are some of the ideas I have. With time, whenever I see more and more of this site, then maybe I will be able to analyze it more critically.
I like Leon's forum idea....I think its a good idea to have a forum link with people's suggestions for improvements, praise for the site or just general opinions. Leon is right about the site becoming like a hub for everyone interested in digital storytelling. That would make the site even more famous that what it is now....then maybe someday it would be featured in the Webby awards (if it hasnt already).
Shawn, brilliant idea about the ranking system of the DS examples and comments/remarks for the same. Very you-Tube-ish. However, to some extent I do agree with Anh on the chatroom expressions front. I think we will have to have some sort of a language filter, or rules for commenting, or screening for users that sign up. That would take a lot of work, but if it maintains the decency and professionalism of the site, then probably it is worth the effort.
I feel like the site looks very good, and is easy to navigate through. I am using XP, so I haven't had any problems.
I think that the newer version looks a lot more polished than the previous version, but I do like how the older version had pictures from popular culture, I feel like it is more invited to see familiar images.
I am really glad that there is a getting started section to answer questions for a newcomer like myself.
Shawn, it seems you sparked some conversation with your ideas. I do think it would be nice to have some sort of a discussion section associated with the site, perhaps as just a link to a blog on digital storytelling in general. I find it hard to believe that it would become too unprofessional because of the type of people this site would attract in the first place. We are talking about educated, professionals who are interested in learning more about digital stories or finding worthwhile digital stories already created.
Another alternative may just be to have a Q and A section for frequently submitted questions regarding digital storytelling.
I still like the idea of an evaluation of the digital stories posted and to that regard, it would be good to discuss what was felt to be good or in need of improvement in the digital story. Of course that could be good only if the user that watched the story used a constructive critique technique instead of a verbally abusive critique.
My first impression of the newer version is that it looks awsome. The colors used are very rich and clean in color. It looks like a professional website that big bucks paid for. However, I did not get the outer space picture and how it relates to DS. After a few days, I then began to think that maybe it was done for the symbolic purpose of us(on earth) looking out because there is so much out there that we want to learn about. Or maybe, when someone from a distance looks down at us, we are the interesting one's and have so much to learn from. I did not think that the newer site looked like a site that you would find DS on it but rather a site about aerospace, technology, or engineering. It wasn't until I clicked on more tags and realized that there were other topics. The older version had more pictures that seemed to relate to stories. The pictures caught my interest and opened the possiblity that DS can be used for anything that you want it to be.
On the ESL page, I would change the picture from the alphabet files to something that would be more appropriate to the topic. I do believe that there needs to be more examples in the health/medical/dental section. DS can be used for patient education or to educate health professional students. On the home page, it states the Ed. Uses of DS but it only states info about the history of DS. Maybe there should be a paragraph about how DS is being used in ED and this may capture visitors to continue to investigate the website.
I only have IE and everything seems to work fine. This is a big website and it would take more time to see if everything works.
As mentioned before, I - what useful material, if any, is included on the earlier version of the site that is not found on the current site; and
On the page on more web 2.0 resources, I like the dark pink color with the white text but when the dark pink fades into light pink, it is kinda hard on the eyes to read.
I believe a Q&A or a FAQ section would be a great idea to add to the website. Eventhough, there is so much information that you can find on the website on your own, there maybe something that has not been thought of and someone would be interested in finding out the answer. Also, some people may not have the time to navigate through the entire site.
I am not sure about having a section where the DS's is evaluated. If it was an example in the health field, I beleive it would be appropriate. If the DS was created as an expression of someone's life experience, I do not think it would be nice since it is personal. Deidre makes a good point about what this website is going to be used for and by whom. This will determine if it is a good idea or not.
Instead of an FAQ section, I kind of liked Shawn's idea of a search engine that searches within the site whatever information you are looking for. That would save people's time as well instead of reading through FAQ's as Tatiana rightly pointed out. Maybe someday when more work is put into the sight, it could have categorical links to different topics like Health, Art, Education etc and how Digital Storytelling can be used in these disciplines with examples etc. Pretty my like the National Geographic site which has main topics like Science, Art, Music etc and then subtopics within as well. That would be really comprehensive but then it would give an idea of the reach of Digital Storytelling beyond just educational teaching-learning situations.
I understand what you make point of with regard to the evaluation, Tatiana. However, because it is a creative expression, just as we are sitting here evaluating the new site in reference to the old site, feedback could be useful. Perhaps a person could have the option of having the story receive feedback or not? Since I am not that technilogical, I do not know how hard it would be to do that. I know that when I took a course that required as a product, to create a DS, the feedback was useful. We handled it with two cool comments and two warm comments so that nobody was bowled over with criticism. I think the site could have a student submission section where the DS were critiqued not so much for a grade but just for the sake of helping each other generate possibilities that one person may not have considered. Brainstorming is a powerful learning tool.
Tatiana,
You made a good point about the the astronaut in space image and how you couldn't figure out how it related to DS. I agree that that image alone doesn't seem appropriate for the introductory/home page. I'd like to see more photos relating to digital stories that can be found on the site on the home page.
Rgarding the discussion of ways to make the site more 2.0-ish, with user generated content, rankings, and comments:
This reminds me a little bit of something like MedEdPortal, where people can post (with admin approval) their own curriculum products for others to use. There's not a ranking/comments/feedback element, but I'm not sure it needs one...you could have a library of quality digital stories arranged by topic, and another area for ideas where the learners are the ones making the stories (rather than using a pre-made story to teach).
Tatiana, your comment about the space theme makes a lot of sense. I think I kind of thought of it as an "exploring the new frontier" kind of theme, but I can see how if you didn't already know what the site was about, it could be confusing.
I think that bottom line is all of us see the new site as having a professional image which is the big start. The old site read like an article in my opinion with word links. I like the format of this site better. If you look out there at other sites, you may notice that this site does indeed have a large vision of being known as the DS site. To that end, we have the opportunity of helping Dr. Robin fine tune the site to make not only a good visual presentation but a site that is very informative. It must also be realized that to be relevant it must be ever changing.
I agree with L Kieler; Dr. Robin is strengthening an already excellent site. I also know that things can get a little too crazy with advice, and you try to make a site that is all things to all people. This site seems to know its audience well, which is a good thing.
Great discussion everyone! I'll try to synthesize the comments into list of items that we can begin to prioritize--and then include it in the Week Two web page which will be available soon.
The first thing I thought when I saw the new webiste was-what does aeronautics have to do with DS. As I looked at it more, I thought-maybe it has to do with this is where technology stems. However, I like the previous website because it displayed different pictures of DS topics such as individuals, events, or historic places. I also liked the way you could click on the educational tools needed to create a DS such as objectives/goals. To me this is essential for a student who has never had any exposure to DS.
As for the new version, I can tell it is professional designed by a very creative person! I like the tabs-they are very user-friendly. I also think the web tools section is very vital to this because there are individuals, such as me, that are not acquainted with a lot of the web tools that are out there and this could be helpful when one chooses to create a DS.
If were going to change anything, I think I would take off the picture of the astronaut or the moon and make a collage of the some pictures (such as the ones that were used in the previous website) and incorporate them into the new creation.
My overall impression of the site is that is very informative, especially the videos. It provided me with a little more insight into what digital story telling really is. As I went though the old and new webpage I started to envision a variety of ways I may be all to use this method in my own classroom.
Only thing is I wish there were more ideas or examples of how it may be relevant in a high school biology classroom.
As far as comparing the old site to the new site, the new site seems more interesting and update when it comes to uses of digital story telling.
mymelchor,
I agree with you about the aeronautics in the homepage. Maybe we should ask. What's the first impression about digital storytelling? What sort of images come to your mind when it comes to digital storytelling? Digital equipments, computers, space and astronaut, or Dr. Robin. I think it's a good direction to meditate.
I LOVE the new site! I've learned a lot about digital storytelling since I last viewed the original version, which I never cared for. I had a hard time with the original, probably due in large part to my incompetence.
The new version is excellent! I love the drop down menus and the added content. I didn't find very much from the original version that was not either included on the new one, or a better example, link, etc. was added. Obviously there are a lot more links and examples, which I love. I think that it is extremely user friendly, and am going to have my students look at it. I think those that are not doing digital storytelling may change their minds after looking at this site.
Shawn suggested a blog, or some place where viewers could leave comments. I completely missed that in viewing the new version, but I think that is a terrific idea. The more constructive feedback, the better the website can become!
Lauren has a great idea with having a place on the intro page for identifying what type of educator you are and following links to those sites that are most relevant. If you are searching for something specific, it is nice to be able to go straight to it, rather than have to weed through a lot of info that is not what you need.
Post a Comment