Podding with Bernajean Oh-h-h the Stories that We WILL Tell

Conversations with First Lady of West Virginia Gayle Manchin

Tue, 5 Dec 2006 20:32:54 -0700

First Lady of West Virginia Gayle Manchin launched her very first podcast interviewing me about the role of digital storytelling in their 21st Century school state-wide initiative. I was touched and very honored to be part of her new communication project. It seemed natural to share digital storytelling with a community of West Virginia educators where storytelling has always had a natural home. As we sat around in the Governor Mansion’s parlor that day, I became so entranced with the First Lady’s voice, own stories and personal charm that I lost track of time and the fact that we were even being recorded.

I continue to be inspired by Governor and First Lady Manchin’s deep commitment to all children through the power of the Five Promises: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others. www.americaspromise.org

First Lady Manchin’s obvious charisma and willingness to use 21st Century Tools like podcasting in order to share information, hopes and successes created the first of a promising series of memorable and inspiring audio experiences for everyone about topics that matter for everyone.

Enjoy Lady Gayle’s entire podcast series at www.WVgovEduAct.org

Discovery Educator’s Podcast with Bernajean

Fri, 1 Dec 2006 20:12:41 -0700

As part of my all day digital storytelling workshop organized by Jan Wee (WI Manager) and Dick Marchessault (IL Manager) for their regional Discovery Educator’s Network, I had the delightful opportunity to be interviewed for a podcast by Brad Fountain, Midwest DEN Team Manager. Brad and I explore a multitude of process, curriculum and technical issues that will help educators get started with digital storytelling. Brad’s energy and talent represents the kind of people Discovery has been gathering and supporting nationally to make a BIG difference for kids.

The Discovery Educator Network (DEN) is a global community of educators established to connect teachers to their most valuable resource…each other! The Discovery Educator Network web site is a place for educators to share ideas through blogs, podcasts, webinars, resources, discussion boards and a multitude of learning events. These are amazing teachers using their minds, hearts and endless creativity to make a difference for our kids.

Many thanks to the leadership, learning and inspiration experienced by everyone through the IL-WI DEN’s Worskhop: A Day of Discovery hosted by Dick Marchessault and Jan Wee at the Abby Resort in Lake Geneva, WI

The Savvy Technologist Part I Tim and Bernajean Explore the World of DigiTales Storytelling

Mon, 3 Apr 2006 20:05:48 -0600

Bernajean Porter, a writer, speaker, and digital storyteller, was Tim’s guest for this podcast He heard me present last October at the T+L Conference and blogged about it.

I pick up where the first episode with Joe Lambert left off. We talk about some of the resources available on my DigiTales site, and some great tips for teachers who are interested in trying a digital storytelling project with students. Check out the Digital Storytelling Camp to consider one of the DigiTales Summer Camps outside Estes Park, Colorado.

We didn’t have the cleanest Skype connection for this recording, and you’ll hear some distortion in my voice from the satellite modem delay. The distortion isn’t too bad though, and Tim thought that the podcast was definitely worth a listen.

The Savvy Technologist Part II Tim and Bernajean Explore Classroom Connections with Digital Storytelling

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 19:44:43 -0700

I enjoy a continued conversation with Tim Wilson about the role of digital storytelling in the classroom. Because Tim is a dedicated classroom teacher as well as dynamic podcast interviewer, we had a lot of fun exploring how this emerging communication impacts student voice, works with 21st century skills and develops a range of standards beyond words. Our classroom’s need a lot more learning modes than chalk and talk if students are to become effective communciators and designers of information. The process of finding their stories as well as the artistic journey in expressing themselves provides a multitude of skills and nouishes our student’s inner world as well.

Thanks, Tim for my first podcasting experiences . . . you inspired me to delve into this medium more than anyone else!

See Tim’s website with many other great podcasts as well as other resources http://technosavvy.org