Question 1: What websites or software tools can we use to create and share great book stories for this project?
Answer: Any websites or tools that you want. Websites which permit direct linking and moderated feedback are probably best, however.
Question 2: What website do you recommend for creating great book stories and why?
Answer: We recommend VoiceThread because it is cross-platform, simple to use, has good instructions for students and teachers, permits moderated audio and textual feedback, and is free! To learn more check out the example, "What Is A VoiceThread?"
Question 3: What other websites can be used to create great book stories?
Answer: We recommend websites which focus on still images and voice narration. Here are some options!
Other sites are also available which support online video editing and sharing, as well as still image and voice narration digital stories. These include:
Question 4: Can we use software programs to create great book stories? Which ones do you recommend?
Answer: If you are using Windows XP computers, PhotoStory3 is a good, free program as is Windows MovieMaker. If you are using Macintosh computers, iMovie is great. Be aware, however, that if you use software on your PC to create a digital story you will need to UPLOAD YOUR FINISHED FILE to a website where it can be "hosted" and made available to others via a link. If you use a tool like VoiceThread or Bubbleshare, your great book story will immediately be available and shareable online. This can REALLY simplify the process of publishing/sharing your great book story as well as permitting others to share feedback on it.
Question 5: I'm nervous about my students sharing their ideas and voices on the global stage of the Internet. What safety precautions can we take to make sure this is safe for everyone?
Answers: Everyone should be concerned about safety and online safety for students. Here are some suggestions:
Question 6: What about copyright issues? Where can students find images they can legally reuse in their great digital stories?
Answers: Participation in this project provides a great opportunity for students and teachers to discuss and learn about copyright issues. Here are some suggestions:
For more discussion related to this issue, and specifically the use of book cover photographs in digital stories, see the blog post (with comments) "Book cover copyright issues with VoiceThread stories."