Friday, August 16, 2013

Final Paper







The Student Journey:
Mapping the Emotional Rollercoaster

Fielding Graduate University

Colleen M. Cleveland




























Abstract


Student journeys are stories in the making. Their trials and tribulations are put into a digital narrative as they go through a University system. We find that these journeys need to be mapped in order to know the way into future “episodes” in order to be aware of the accomplishments and challenges that they meet along the way.  We will look at self-narrative in the digital age and how good organization will connect students to creating an increasingly engaging story.






























In the book, The Language of Film, the authors introduce the subject of filmmaking to the reader, stating, “Leaving a story to play itself out in front of the camera is wasteful of time, and will almost always result in something as awkward, slow, drab, and stagey.  The camera is not responsible for the pictures on the screen – you are  (Edgar-Hunt, Marland & Rawie, 2010).  Great storytelling in film and video doesn’t happen by accident.  It’s designed.  As we look at the collegiate journey, a time-honored tale of intellectual and mental growth, we will discuss how students will design their own self-narrative.
What makes a story?
According to Kendall Haven, defining a story is not as simple as it sounds.  Process is not necessarily story.  A story may have a beginning, middle, and end.  A story most likely tells something that happened.  Alas, the scientific definition is, to tell the truth, vague.  But, as Haven delves deeper into his research, he comes to the conclusion that “stories are centered around characters, structured around achieving goals, and encountering obstacles leading to those goals” (Haven, 2007, pg.80). 
As a professor, when we first meet a student, I ask students simply, what are their hopes and dreams and how the program can help them achieve these aspirations.    In some instances, this question can befuddle the student, as if an alien had just dropped from the sky.  It is not that students do not have hopes and dreams, but they haven’t considered a successful pathway in order to obtain those goals. 
Throughout a student’s academic journey, they are required to create a form of digital media that tell the story of their milestones and what do they have to look forward to in the future.  How they do this, is through a self-narrative of their lives as they go through each class.  It helps them gather themselves and their experiences and through digital video they attempt to articulate what they have learned in order to put these new skills in the forefront of their thoughts, rather than surrendering them to the ether.  By articulating it, they must construct a story that involves them in the passage of time overcoming the obstacles that we put before them.
As I mentioned, part of the student journey in our design program is for each student to create a reflection video.  Initially, this was a trial and error on the part of the professors as well as the students.  In the beginning, the rubric was vague and so was the idea of each student reflecting on what they had learned. Without a story map, the students carved paths every which way, outside of the expectations of the professor, and yet, each professor had a different idea as to what the reflection video was to result in. This did not bode well when trying to quantify what the self-narrative was supposed to entail.
The story map, or Ohler’s Visual Portrait of a Story, became the diagram in which a student could use in order to weave the tapestry of the story of their academic journey.  (Ohler. 2013, pg. 274
FIGURE 1: Visual Portrait of a Story:Gritty.tiff
(Ohler, (2001) adapted from Dillingham, B. (2001)

The Story Map succinctly lays out the pathway for the students.  The student will begin at the beginning.  There is, then, a learning curve where students must acclimate themselves to the situation of learning and finding out what is expected of them.  It is about this time that students find conflict and growth.  Sometimes, this is within the classroom and other times, this is outside of the classroom.  Occasionally, these can be external conflicts and many times, from this instructor’s perspective, it can be an internal conflict.  For example, a recent student was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  His challenge was not in the work itself.  His Transformation and conflict resided in his mental state.  His solution was in working through his issue, and though, the symptoms were still ongoing by the end of the program, he completed the challenge of being able to learn when the odds were against him.
 Similarly, a female student was dealing with both anxiety and an upcoming divorce.  Her story led her to taking time off from the program, then coming back in order to finish it.  Others affected her story. As instructors, we are there to reach out and bring her back into the program, quell her anxiety about the assignments, listen to her and encourage her to continue on, despite bleak circumstances.
Beginnings are fresh, new, and exciting. They are the “call for adventure” (Ohler, 2013).  This is where the adrenaline rush into the unknown begins.  Students continue on into the elevated learning curve to understand what is expected from them.  The problem soon surfaces.  Perhaps it is anxiety about the assignment or difficulties at home.    There is a concurrent theme, however. The student timeline for each month differs in demand and in deliverables.  The reflection video becomes a digital record of how the student thinks and feels as he or she explains their month-long term.  Having them explain as to how they felt during the month is both therapeutic for the student and informative for the professor.  Most importantly, creating a story in a language that both the student and instructor understand.
Additionally, Haven mentions that “readers and listeners more readily comprehend and retain key narrative information and concepts when presented in story form” (Haven, 2007, pg. 91).  By sharing these reflection videos, the students are listening for confirmation of, not only the content of their story, but also, the emotional state as well. 
As Don Polkinghorne wrote in his book, Narrative Knowing and the Human Sciences, “Human identities are considered to be evolving constructions; they emerge out of our continual social interactions in the course of life” (1988).  He goes on to say that “self-narratives have particular historical terms in which to be told and in a particular language” (Polkinghorne, 1988).  Reflection videos are the outlets that project what students feel in this time about their academic journey.  It allows their peers to commiserate with them, and it allows them to evolve in a language of the designers we help them strive to become.  More often than not, the easier path in navigating this road is to plan the travel. 
Conclusion
There is ebb and flow in life as there is in story. Self-narrative leads to our students being comfortable with who they are.  They are given the opportunity to put themselves out there as a brand amongst the peers they will network as they go out together into the industry.  The next step is to take their narrative to the professional level where they will have a chance to explain their skills to an interviewer or create their own viral marketing materials.  As one of many instructors, we helped organize the map.  Now, It’s their turn to create the future.







References

Edgar-Hunt, R., Marland, J., & Rawie, S. (2010). The language of film. Switzerland: AVA Publishing SA.

Haven, K. (2007). Story proof: The science behind the startling power of story. Westport: Libraries Unlimited.

Ohler, J. (2013). Digital storytelling in the classroom: New media pathways to literacy, learning and creativity. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press.

Polkinghorne, D. (1988). Narrative knowing and the human sciences. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Project #2: Reflection


  1. What is the essential story behind the piece you created?

The story behind the piece is the essential aspects of an art or design critique.  I had a packed PowerPoint that told the story of how to structure a critique, but I realized that it would be counter-intuitive to show a presentation and basically read off all aspects. So, I asked myself, what would the core issue that my students face everyday. It became clear after that.  Students do not like critiques because they feel it is a reflection of them succeeding or failing.  The objective is to not only tell the students how to do structure a critique, but how to accept a critique.  It’s not about them personally.  It is about how something on the page isn’t sitting right. 


  1. What was your purpose in creating this piece of new media narrative? Do you feel you were successful in communicating your purpose?

It was a very simple way to  portray the subject, but I think it got the point across that constructive criticism is not about the creator.  I had considered making it into an interview, but my subject wasn’t too keen on that idea.  I, also, was not too keen on that idea.  I didn’t want the video to be boring. I wanted to engage the viewer, even if it was portrayed in a comedic way.  I think the length was short enough to get the point across. 


  1. Who was your audience? Do you feel you were successful in reaching your audience?

My audience would be professors and students, most likely of the University demographic, but it may be for younger viewers as well.  I believe I was successful as my point was succinct.  I think it was comedic enough that students would watch it for 3 minutes and get the idea.



  1. Why did you use your particular approach to media production and media selection? Were you successful?

When I thought about my choice of media, I thought it would be easier to get video.  Then I thought, maybe I should make it like a book or a comic strip.   Who doesn’t like exaggerated facial expressions or people reading stories?

Was I successful? Generally, I think I was.  I will be self critical  by saying I could tweak this or tweak that.  I did consider throwing in artwork pieces, such as the Mona Lisa, but I didn’t want to critique someone who was considered a Master.  I, also, did not want to critique someone who was deceased. People go on how, even the Masters of art, were critiqued.  For us, that is after the fact, that we first knew them because they were famous.  Our students are very much alive and they are not famous, so when they hear a critique, it can be painful.  I want the students to know that it is not about them.  It is strictly about the art work.



  1. What did you learn during the process of crafting your media piece that you can use in creating future new media narrative?

The personal project was much easier in telling a story than the professional project, in my opinion.  My first thoughts were how was I to engage the audience when I was basically writing them a “How-to” book on a subject.  That is when I realized I had to change my way of thinking.  Everything can become a story if you can find that basic human connection. For me, that connection was telling the students that the story is not about them, it’s about the work. 

Project #2: Story Table

Video Project #2: Critique Me!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Script Project #2

SCRIPT Have you ever wanted to be a better person? Have you ever wanted to improve a skill? In digital world today, what you have to say, matters. But how do you say it without offending someone or say it in the most positive way possible? In this video, we are going to explore the topic of constructive criticism. Historically, artists were brandished by the fire of the constructive critique. Every historical era had artists as well as critics. Every new art form was criticized by the generation before it. Sometimes to rave reviews and sometimes they were just subject to raving. Enter into the digital realm where art shows and poetry reading are replaced by Tumblr and Twitter. What haven’t changed is the opinions people have. The problem is, there is no inflection or voice. Without these, text replies can be interpreted in different ways. EXAMPLE: Bad Critique EXAMPLE: Good Critique First, take in account of the feelings of the other person. Next, take in account Summary

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Interview Reflection: Is this your first 5K?

Interview Reflection: Is this your first 5K?

The essential story behind the piece I created is about the rise of accomplishment and the strength of spirit to begin again when one has to start all over.  This media piece is reflects my relationship with the racing community over the last five years.  The story is about a reluctant runner who becomes hooked on the racing world as she pushes boundaries and achieves them without fail.  The highlight of her accomplishments is the Disney Marathon.  However, it is, also,  her fall as she becomes injured.  It is a minor injury that will take up to a year to heal and as time passes, she must make a decision, be content with your accomplishments or be willing to start all over again.



What was your purpose in creating this piece of new media narrative? Do you feel you were successful in communicating your purpose?  

 My purpose was to create an autobiographical piece.  I was in the midst of developing another piece of that type when I realized, as humorous as that other piece was going to sound, it was difficult to capture it in visuals.  I, also, realized that I preferred a subject that had built me up instead of one that tore everyone down, including myself.  Why the subject of running and racing did not come to me sooner, I do not know.  Perhaps it seemed too simple a subject at first glance, or maybe, only those who have the desire to participate in race-type events will understand.  I would think the purpose behind the subject of the autobiography was to show that people of all types can start small and build to greater challenges if they are willing to take that first step.


Every director wants the world to be able to view their work in his or her particular perspective.  It is difficult to say whether I accomplished my goal.  It is not a tragic story by far, though if I had footage of the marathon and the destruction of my feet it might make the tragedy of being laid up for a few weeks more convincing.  At the same time, I wanted to keep the subject matter light.  A loss of toenails isn't thought to be much of an inconvenience and for some racers, it is a badge of honor, One gentleman I know has his shadowboxed on the wall.   The results are not the same for everyone and I did not mind showing physical weakness.  I had obtained my goal at a price.  Getting hurt is a matter of consideration when choosing to participate in an activity.  Most importantly, I would like to be able to show that I bounced back.  I think in an unrefined way, I was able to introduce the concept of what it is like to be part of the running community and the fact that if one is just wiling to try, you never really fail.

Who was your audience? Do you feel you were successful in reaching your audience?

I would like to think my audience is anyone who is involved in an activity or desires to be in an activity that builds self-esteem and promotes personal growth.  In the running world, there are many athletes who are determined to beat their Personal Record (PR).  A PR is about doing their best in the sport.  For some, placing in the top 10 may be a little out of their reach, but to be able to perform better than before on their own PR can be a positive mental boost.

I think the goal of designing the video for those who have yet to get off the couch or those who are not sure what to expect at a 5K has been accomplished.  Of course, there are, also, those who have bigger dreams and aspirations beyond the 5K.  

Why did you use your particular approach to media production and media selection? Were you successful?
As far as media selection, I used the resources I had on-hand, such as my medal collection, bibs, and race photos.  I, then, signed up for the local 5K race and recorded some footage there.  While each race has some minor adjustments, it is essentially the same. Elite is on the start line,  faster runners are behind them, then joggers, walkers, and strollers.   People of all sizes and shapes are there.   When it came to recording the footage of the event, I had to recall back to the days when I was first starting out and some of the questions I asked, such as, is it a large group and how many people are there?.  The starting line and the finish line are always necessary with a few pictures in between.  Is there food available? Are there restrooms nearby?  All of points were touched on visually.  I wanted to briefly show the Elite on the starting line, but I desired a little more footage with the walkers at the back of the pack while they make their way on the course.  Showing the walkers is the least intimidating version of the 5K.  No one is being trampled.  It is easier for them to spread out.  I think if my story is enough to get someone to look at the project and if it motivates to go do something outside of their comfort zone, I think my story will be a success.
It was luck of the draw that I was able to get some interesting sound bites without having as much footage as I would usually have for these types of projects. I knew the basic elements that I wanted.


What did you learn during the process of crafting your media piece that you can use in creating future new media narrative?

I learned that I need to sharpen my skills again as a video editorOther things I learned is a need to work on the intonation of my voice.  I was hoping it would carry a light jocular sound to it.  As far as the process, I understand that it will take a strong narrative in order to keep my audience.  I look forward to feedback to seeing if my peers can follow my work.