​Unique Horizon

1. Which of the revelations most resonated with you and why?

Revelation 2: The digital revolution would have been a storytelling revolution if early computers had booted up in a word processor instead of a programming language.

I resonated with this revelation because I remember wanting to use my computer for other things but because of the cumbersome navigation and the unwelcoming flash of the cursor I didn’t want to bother as much with the computer for telling stories or recording my thoughts at a young age.

Revelation 4: The digital revolution in a sentence: Finally, we all get to tell our own story in our own way.

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Due to the advancements in software and the ability to broadcast and share your content freely over the internet a person can tell their own stories using various formats from writing, visual media, and music to express themselves.

Revelation 8: Learning communities are storytelling communities.

This made me think more about how communities themselves are interesting subjects for stories. As immigrant, homeless, or special needs communities are willing to learn and grow in their influence or participation in American media there is great potential for rich stories of growth.

Revelation 14: Combining storytelling and critical thinking defines an important pedagogical frontier.

The exploration of “creatical” work is an interesting idea because it bridges that undefined space where the consumer also becomes the producer. Due to the internet and social media this hybrid is possible and available.

Revelation 16: Digital storytelling helps students develop planning skills that are transferable to many endeavors.

I believe that this is true because we are talking about building valuable skill sets in students that will be necessary in the new competitive global marketplace.  Thinking critically, and being able to communicate ideas succinctly is going to be paramount.

Revelation No. 20

Technology doesn’t make teachers obsolete. Quite the opposite, More than ever, students need the guidance and wisdom that teachers offer to help them use technology with care and to tell their stories with clarity and humanity.

I understand that the education system currently finds itself being challenged to do just this. Students today are learning how to use technology faster than those that are teaching them. The importance of building student foundations in the arts, sociology, psychology, mathematics, and history are important but how are they being taught so that students find them relevant subjects?

2. What revelation about the importance of story can you share with us that was not here?

I believe that a story has to denote change in order to feel true and organic. Without the crescendo of struggle occurring there is nothing worth noting. Every person has dealt with a type of struggle at sometime and it is this transition, which connects to the audience. If a student can understand this then they will feel that storytelling is accessible.

3. How do Lasseter's remarks illuminate your understanding of storytelling and media?

Lassetar’s remarks on the success and growth of Pixar were interesting because at times I have personally marveled at the new bells and whistles added to software today which allows any person to cut together a coherent trailer, fan dedication, shortfilm, or opinion piece on youtube, but the story must still be the driving force underneath all of the special effects, camera views, and music soundtracks. At times if there is no story underlying a project it can feel as if we are watching something that is cliché.

4. Can you recall an example of hearing a story that changed you significantly?

I remember hearing C.S. Lewis’s the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This story brought about excitement, loss, and gain. It was the breadth of emotion and the fantastical landscape that changed my perspective on the ability of my imagination as a child to conjure up exciting scenes.