Image Credit: Appdroid & Andople by Tsahi Levent-Levi via Flickr [CC BY 2.0]
Throughout this course, you'll create several individual digital stories and collaborate on a final digital narrative. These projects will require you to choose effective digital tools for producing media files and set up online accounts for publishing and hosting your work. You don’t need expensive software or prior experience with digital media to succeed.
This page provides links to a wide range of digital resources and tutorials, but I encourage you to explore additional apps and tools that suit your creative process.
If you prefer not to publish your digital stories on public platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, you have the option to upload your media files directly to the discussion space or host them using SUNY Empire’s LEARNscape platform.
See below a summary of digital tools and tutorials for your consideration. Review these options carefully and select the application or site that would work best for you as a digital storyteller!
Video Hosting Sites
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Application or Site |
Tutorials and Documentation |
Accessibility |
Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
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LEARNscape - This platform allows you to host your video through a resource managed by Empire State University. |
About LEARNscape (Explains what LEARNscape is and how it can be used by students and faculty). |
SUNY Empire Web Accessibility Policy "Closed-captioning of all video and audio materials on LEARNscape are available upon request by submitting an incident through the Empire State University Service Desk" |
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YouTube - Popular site for uploading and sharing video content. |
Read how to Create an account on YouTube. Once you create a YouTube account you may want to Create a new YouTube Channel. |
Here are detailed instructions for using it with a screen reader. Read the YouTube Community Guidelines, VPAT. |
Note that this popular site is subject to the expansive, and invasive Google Privacy Policy, which you should review before using. |
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Vimeo is a suitable hosting site for videos. Vimeo Basic is the free option. |
Preparing your video for uploading on Vimeo (video tutorial) (01:05). |
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Google Drive - This is a good option for uploading and sharing files. |
These instructions explain how to store and play video in Google Drive. |
Video Production and Editing Tools
|
Application or Site |
Tutorials and Documentation |
Accessibility |
Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
WeVideo offers a free option with 1 GB cloud storage and 5 min/month. |
Getting Started with WeVideo (instructions) Editing with WeVideo (1:12:54) (how-to video) Beginner Video Editing with WeVideo (04:09) (Video with Accurate Captioning) (how-to video) |
WeVideo Accessibility Statement | |
| Kaltura Capture - This is a free resource for the Empire State University community as part of the LEARNscape platform. It allows you to record your computer screen, with or without recording you on-camera. This program is dowloaded directly to your computer and could be used for developing narrated slideshows or screen-captures for instructional tutorials, selfie-videos, or digital stories. |
Kaltura Capture Overview- Read the tutorials and documentation for this resource. Recording with Kaltura Capture (07:03) - Watch this instructional tutorial produced at SUNY Empire to learn how to use this program. |
SUNY Empire Web Accessibility Policy "Closed-captioning of all video and audio materials on LEARNscape are available upon request by submitting an incident through the Empire State University Service Desk." |
SUNY Empire Web Privacy Policy |
| Comic Life 3 is for producing comic-style digital narratives. This app is for Mac or Windows and versions of the app are available for the iPhone and iPad as well. They offer free 30-day trials and reasonable pricing plans for purchase. |
Comic Life Online Help provides detailed instructions on how to use the app. Features Galore! explains many of the key features of the app, and Support FAQ offers additional insights as well. Several tutorials created by educators and users are available online. |
Reach out via the Contact Us page with specific questions about accessibility. |
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| PowerPoint Narration and Video - Although a standard slideshow does not meet the expectations of a dynamic digital story, the latest version of this program allows for on-camera recording and exporting as video. Students have access to this program via Microsoft 365. |
Record a slideshow with narrations and timing |
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| Vimeo Create is for creating videos using Vimeo and a free version is available. |
Tutorial: Vimeo Editor (03:44) (Video with Accurate Captioning) (how-to video) |
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iMovie is for Mac users and offers a more traditional "light" approach to video editing. The iMovie iPhone app does everything most digital storytelling programs do, and more. Highly recommended tool if you have it. |
iMovie User Guide (Table of Contents) How to use iMovie - Beginner's Guide (video tutorial) (24:56) (Video with Accurate Captioning) |
Apple Privacy Policy | |
| Microsoft Clipchamp - Video editor with a free trial. | Clipchamp Training Center - Featuring tutorials on how to use this program. | Accessibility Tools for Clipchamp | Microsoft Privacy Statement |
| Adobe Express offers a free download for two months only. Spark has many features but look for short videos. | Tutorials: Adobe Express | Adobe VPAT | Adobe Privacy Policy |
| VivaCut - PRO Video Editor, Video Editing App This is a video editing app for the Android that is available via GooglePlay; check GooglePlay for free options and for video editors compatible with other mobile devices. | VivaCut - Pro Features | Google Privacy Policy | VivaCut Privacy Policy |
| Canva - This is an online design tool for producing digital content with a free option and a YouTube Video Editor. | Canva Design School Tutorials | Accessibility at Canva | Canva Terms and Privacy |
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Animoto is an example of a digital storytelling tool that will allow you to add pictures, videos, music, and text to create a video using either a desktop computer or mobile device. Animoto offers a free option with standard features. |
Animoto Tutorials | Animoto Privacy and Accessibility Policy | Animoto Privacy and Accessibility Policy |
Recording with your Phone
If you have a relatively recent smartphone, it likely has excellent video and audio recording capabilities, along with user-friendly apps that simplify the process compared to using a desktop or laptop. If you don’t have access to a smartphone or tablet with these features, you’ll need a webcam and an external microphone.
I don’t recommend relying on your computer’s built-in microphone, as it often results in lower-quality recordings—though you can test it to see if it meets your needs. Instead, I suggest using an affordable USB microphone or a headset with a built-in mic for better sound quality.
If you have a high-quality smartphone or tablet, you can use its camera and apps for recording. Otherwise, depending on your digital storytelling needs, you may need to invest in an inexpensive external camera for your desktop.