Project VIEW: Mobile Storytelling for Cross Cultural Connections
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Contents |
Story
Project VIEW (Visual Inter-cultural Education on the Web) explores the use of camera phones and digital storytelling for cross-cultural connections between students around the world developing world. Although lack of access to computer technology is a common problem in the developing world, mobile phones are ubiquitous. Camera phones combined with non-verbal communications like movement and digital storytelling allow young people to establish meaningful connections with each other across geographic and cultural boundaries. The video exchanges combine elements of 'Web 2.0' social networks, traditional penpal programs and distance learning. Students exchange video messages about locally relevant issues or content (like a neighborhood exploration).
How it was done
Initially, we started with a class format, inspired by the Center for Digital Storytelling. The first group of students were from a leading media arts center called Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC).
Following that, we shared stories and photos with students from Keio University in Tokyo, Meraka Institute in South Africa, and Center for Democracy in Information Technology (CDI) in Brazil.
The components of Project VIEW include:
- Classes (teaching students how to use their "voice" by using basic technology to create a short video piece)
- Technology (websites, social networking, video uploading, mobile browsing)
- Cultural Exchange (by exploring and refining their own viewpoint, then experiencing perspectives from other cultures, students get an early exposure to a broader, global perspective breaking down barriers and assumptions, and fostering tolerance and understanding)
Project VIEW is part of the Digital Vision Program at Stanford University, an early-stage incubator for social ventures. It is supported by Stanford and the Reuters Foundation.
Technology used
For capture, we used two types of Nokia phones, the 6682 and the N90. For editing, we used iMovie or Final Cut on the Mac and Windows Movie Maker on the PC For sharing, we used several different websites, including vox.com, blip.tv, and projectview.ning.com
External links
Project VIEW website: http://mobilestorytelling.org
BAVC: http://www.bavc.org
Center for Digital Storytelling: http://storycenter.org
Stanford Univ Digital Vision Program: http://rdvp.org
