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.
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Welcome to Digital Change Makers (How the course works)
What Is Media Literacy? (Bias, Intent, Credibility)
SAMS Framework: How to Analyze and Give Feedback
Safe & Ethical Storytelling (Consent, Privacy, Respect)
Activity Demo: SAMS Analysis Walkthrough
Weekly Task Brief: What to Create + How to Submit
Week 1 Quiz: Media Literacy + SAMS + Safe Storytelling
00:10:00
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.
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Finding Your Story: Personal + Community Themes
Story Circles Online: Listening, Sharing & Trust
Pitching with FILMS: Story, Image, Message, Location, Feel
Script Basics: Hook, Key Moments & Ending
Storyboarding: Turning Ideas into Scenes and Shots
Weekly Task Brief: Pitch + Storyboard v1
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.
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Mobile Photography Essentials: Light, Framing & Focus
Photo Zoom: Perspective Changes Meaning
Ethical Photography: Consent & Respectful Representation
Captions that Add Meaning (Not Just Description)
Sequencing a Photo Essay: Beginning–Middle–End
Weekly Task Brief: Photo Essay Submission
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.
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Audio Storytelling Basics: Voice, Emotion & Clarity
Recording Clean Audio on Your Phone
Interview Skills: Questions, Consent & Safety
Ambient Sound: Building Atmosphere
Structure: Hook–Middle–Ending + Simple Script
Weekly Task Brief: 2–3 Minute Audio Story
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.
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Mobile Video Basics: Settings, Framing & Stability
Shot Types: Wide, Medium, Close + Why They Matter
Shot Lists + Planning from Your Storyboard
Shooting Sequences: Showing Action and Change
Interview on Camera: Simple Setup + Clear Audio
Weekly Task Brief: Sequence Video + Shot List
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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Editing Workflow: Organize → Assemble → Refine → Export
Editing on Mobile: Cuts, Pace, Sound & Titles
Rough Cut vs Final Cut: What “Good Enough” Means
Feedback Skills: Using SAMS for Critique
Revision Planning: Fixing the Right Things First
Weekly Task Brief: Rough Cut Submission + Peer Review
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.
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News vs Noise: Credibility + Verification Habits
Misinformation Basics: Common Tricks & Red Flags
Representation & Harm: Telling Stories Responsibly
Distribution Planning: Audience, Platform, Call-to-Action
Campaign Assets: Posters, Teasers, Social Posts
Weekly Task Brief: Distribution Plan + Campaign Asset
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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Final Cut Checklist: Polish, Audio, Titles & Credits
Artist Statement Writing: What It Means + Why It Matters
Exhibition Card: Title, Hook, Thumbnail + Credits
Publishing Safely: Privacy Settings + Permissions
Preparing for the Showcase: Presenting with Confidence
Week 8 Assignment: Final Exhibition Package + Reflection/Evaluation
Digital Change Makers: Mobile Storytelling & Media Literacy (8 Weeks)

Lesson 3: FILMS Pitch – How to Pitch Your Story Clearly

A pitch is a short explanation of your story that helps other people understand it fast. This week, you will write a one-page pitch using FILMS.

FILMS keeps your pitch clear, focused, and easy to critique.

FILMS explained

  1. F – Focus: What is the story about in one sentence? (your logline)
  2. I – Idea: What happens? (short summary – beginning, middle, end)
  3. L – Location: Where will you record? What places/visuals/sounds will support the story?
  4. M – Message: What is the meaning or takeaway? Why does it matter?
  5. S – Style: How will it feel? (tone, visuals, pacing, music/no music, interview/voiceover)

Pitch checklist

Before you submit, check your pitch:

  • I can explain my story in one sentence.
  • My audience is clear.
  • My message is clear and respectful.
  • My plan is realistic with my phone and time.
  • I have considered consent and privacy (even at planning stage).

How peer feedback works this week

Peer feedback focus for Week 2: Audience + Message.

  • Is the intended audience clear?
  • Is the message clear and meaningful?
  • What is one suggestion to make the story more focused?
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