Becoming a Digital Storyteller

Week 2 Blog Post (EDUC 5333)

For this entry, I will write a reflection about a short video by Dana Atchley called Turn (from a copy on YouTube uploaded in 2014) using Ohler’s questions designed to lead to thoughtful discussion and a better understanding of how assessment might work in an educational context (2013).  While this video was uploaded much later, it was created in the late 70s and was an outtake from a show he did as “Ace, the Colorado Spaceman.” I say “created” here, however, the short video is mostly a compilation of film clips taken by his father when he was growing up and entering adulthood. Atchley was an art teacher in the 70s and left this profession to pursue his passion for what eventually became digital storytelling. Atchley had spent his life both in front of the camera and behind it. So, in a way, this simple video is an interesting artifact of his life and personal philosophy.

My overall impression of this short video is that it is very short (2 minutes), grainy, and low resolution, but it tells an interesting story. Today we are used to fancy special effects and larger-than-life graphics in the videos we consume. Some filmmakers have carved out a niche subgenre of film using what has become known as “found footage” (think Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity). But in this video, the old, grainy film footage serves a purpose greater than being able to tell a story under budget constraints. There is a simple, clunky visual effect in one of the shorts where while the group is turning the baby changes from being held by one person and suddenly appearing in the arms of another. This is a simple in-camera effect accomplished when the camera operator stops filming and starts again with the camera subjects in a new position. This makes an invisible cut without needing to edit it.

Atchley’s education and experience in the field of education appear to have made a big impact on how he made videos such as this one. He demonstrates how you can show and explain a concept using video in very simple ways. And, in this case, most of the production was simply compiling a few old home films together. He expresses his philosophy about shooting video and film as he treats these artifacts as representing important memories. He narrates the video, explaining why he likes the memories and what they represent to him. There are a few reasons why students can appreciate a video like this one. First, it should be easy to make, especially with modern technology. People today almost always have a high-quality camera with them in their pocket in the form of a cell phone. Compiling these into a short video and adding narration is a simple task with readily available tools. Some come free with smartphones or can be downloaded. And many kids already know how to use them. Students may also be encouraged to learn that effective storytelling does not necessarily need a big budget or complex tools.

If I were evaluating a video like this one that was submitted as a graded assignment by a student, I would consider it a quality production. Of course, this assumes that the video matches the assignment guidelines, but I think as a digital story or creative narrative it serves as a wonderful example. I would look at originality, creativity, and effectiveness in conveying an intended message as possible criteria for evaluation. The bottom line is that often simplicity is very effective.

References:

Atchley, Dana. Blephen Stoom channel (2014, March 29). Turn [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/RPD4emd3ozQ(

Ohler, J. (2013). Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: New Media Pathways to Literacy, Learning, and Creativity. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications