Digital Storytelling as Public History

Christina Fisanick. is Associate Professor of English at California University of Pennsylvania, USA, where she teaches expository writing, creative nonfiction, digital storytelling, and Honors writing and rhetoric. She is the author of more than thirty books and dozens of articles and essays.Robert O. Stakeley is the History Center Affiliates Program (HCAP) Manager at the Senator John Heinz History Center, USA, where he provides various levels of instruction for a diverse audience. HCAP assists 400 plus historically minded organizations in achieving their goals. Stakeley is a former librarian, archivist, and educator who has extensive experience in collecting, preserving, and providing access to collections. His approach to history is simple - establish a connection and make it fun.

"Few educators have utilized digital storytelling to immerse their students in community relationships and history as much as Dr. Christina Fisanick. The work of her students speaks to her absolute commitment to engaged listening and the fostering of community-based, participatory learning. Her partnership with Robert Stakeley is an integral part of process, for together they are preparing a new breed of learners, of listeners, and bridging communities that have been marred by isolation. The students, the community, and the world are richer for it."Joe Lambert and Daniel Weinshenker, StoryCenter

• 1. The Art and Practice of Digital Storytelling 2. Teaching the Personal Digital Story 3. Digital Storytelling and Public History 4. Forming Strategic Partnerships 5. Mapping the Course 6. Working with Historical Resources and Artifacts 7. Analyzing Public History Digital Stories 8. Site Visits and Team Building 9. Site Exploration and Story Ideas 10. The Seven Steps of Digital Storytelling for Public History 11. Digital Storytelling Software and Equipment 12. Sharing the Digital Stories 13. Ongoing Reflection and Assessment Appendix A: Sample Syllabi and Assignment Sheets Appendix B: Working with Primary Sources Appendix C: Premiere Materials