Course Content
Week 1: Media Literacy Foundations + My Voice Story Seed
In Week 1, learners shift from passive media consumption to responsible creation. We introduce media literacy basics (bias, intent, credibility), the SAMS feedback framework (Story, Audience, Message, Style), and course safety guidelines (consent, privacy, respectful representation). Weekly outputs: My Media Map + 60–90s “My Voice” story seed + 1-page SAMS analysis of a media example.
0/7
Week 2: Story Circles, Pitching + Storyboarding
Learners discover meaningful stories through story circles, then shape their ideas into a clear pitch and message. They plan their project using a simple script/narration outline and a storyboard that guides production.
0/6
Week 3: Visual Storytelling + Photography + Photo Essay
Learners develop visual storytelling skills using mobile photography and ethical image-making. They produce a photo essay with captions and sequencing that clearly communicates a message and story arc.
0/6
Week 4: Audio Storytelling Voice, Interview + Sound
Learners practice audio storytelling—recording clean voice, using ambient sound, and (optionally) conducting short interviews with consent. They create a structured audio story and strengthen ethical storytelling habits.
0/6
Week 5: Mobile Video Production + Shooting for Story
Learners shoot better mobile video using shot types, stability, and simple sequencing. They film a short story sequence guided by a shot list and learn how B-roll supports meaning and emotion.
0/6
Week 6: Editing + Rough Cut Critique
Learners edit their work into a rough cut using a practical mobile workflow. They participate in structured peer critique using SAMS and create a revision plan to improve clarity, pacing, sound, and message.
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Week 7: Media Literacy for Impact, Truth, Bias + Distribution
Learners deepen media literacy for impact—verification habits, misinformation awareness, and responsible representation. They create a simple distribution plan and a campaign asset (poster/teaser/posts) to support their story.
0/6
Week 8: Final Cut + Online Exhibition Showcase
Learners complete their final cut, write an artist statement, and prepare an exhibition-ready entry with credits and permissions. The course ends with an online showcase and reflection on growth as a Digital Change Maker.
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Digital Change Makers: Mobile Storytelling & Media Literacy (8 Weeks)

Weekly Task Brief: Photo Essay Submission (Week 3)

Welcome! This week you will create and submit a Photo Essay — a short story told through images and captions.

Your goal is to produce a photo sequence that has:

  • A clear message
  • Strong visual storytelling
  • Respectful and ethical representation
  • A beginning → middle → end flow

 

What you will submit (3 items)

1) Your Photo Essay (6–10 photos)

Create a photo essay on a topic you care about (your community, school, family, work, youth life, local challenge, a positive change, etc.).

Requirements:

  • 6–10 original photos (taken by you this week or recently)
  • Mix of shots: wide + medium + close-up (details)
  • Includes people OR place/objects that represent real life
  • Must have a clear beginning–middle–end sequence

File format options:

  • Option A: Upload each photo separately (preferred)
  • Option B: Upload one PDF that contains all photos in order
  • Option C: Upload one Word document with photos in order

 

2) Captions (1–2 lines per photo)

For each photo, write a caption that adds meaning (not just description).

Use this simple caption formula:

  • What is happening + why it matters
  • Optional: a short quote (if you have permission)

Example captions:

  • “After school, Sarah helps her mother sell vegetables. This is how she supports her home.”
  • “This water point looks close, but it takes 40 minutes to reach.”

 

3) Photo Essay Summary (short paragraph)

Write 5–8 lines answering:

  • What is your story about?
  • Why did you choose it?
  • What do you want people to feel/think/do after seeing it?

Use this starter:

“My photo essay is about ______. I chose this story because ______. I want viewers to understand/feel ______ and to consider ______.”

 

Ethical Photography Checklist (must do before you submit)

Before uploading, confirm:

Consent

  • I asked permission from people I photographed (especially close-up portraits)
  • If the subject is a child/minor, I got permission from a parent/guardian (or avoided identifiable faces)

Privacy

  • I did not reveal private information (phone numbers, home addresses, school IDs, medical details)
  • I avoided embarrassing or harmful exposure

Respect

  • My images do not mock, stereotype, or exploit anyone
  • My captions are truthful and not misleading

Safety

  • I did not put myself or others at risk to capture the photos

If you’re unsure: blur faces, shoot from behind, or photograph hands/objects/environment instead.

 

Suggested workflow (simple step-by-step)

  1. Pick 1 topic you can access easily this week
  2. Take 15–25 photos
  3. Select your best 6–10
  4. Arrange them in a story order (Beginning–Middle–End)
  5. Write short captions
  6. Do the checklist above
  7. Upload + submit

 

Peer Feedback (required)

After you submit, choose 2 classmates and comment on their work.

Use this feedback format (copy/paste):
S (Story): What I understand the story to be + what is strongest
A (Audio/Visual): One thing that is visually strong (framing, light, detail, variety)
M (Message): What message comes through + what could be clearer
S (Suggestions): One practical improvement (sequence, caption, missing shot)

Keep feedback respectful and helpful.