Services

Digital Storytelling

At Instructional Design & Technology, we consult with instructors on using digital resources and technologies to engage students in active and collaborative learning. We understand the importance of digital literacy in college education and strive to support incorporating digital literacy into the digital storytelling assignments. Following the Maker competencies and frameworks, we assist instructors in the design of assignments to serve the course goals. Students learn media design and production skills and practice teamwork and reflection.

In collaboration with the course instructor, we support student learning and engagement through:

• Brainstorming with the instructor to identify what types of digital project best serve the course goals
• Designing a lesson plan for the technology workshop students will receive for the digital assignment
• Discussing with the instructor the rubrics for scaffolding and evaluating student work (the process and the product)
• Conducting hands-on workshop to teach students the design and development of digital projects,

focusing on:  

• evaluating digital resources critically and using them responsibly
• basic design and production principles
• using technology resources and tools
• providing just-in-time help throughout the project
• organizing venues for students to present their productions and experience.

For inquiries about designing digital storytelling assignments, please email Lily Zhang, Head of Instructional Design & Technology. 

Makerspace

Most of our digital resources are provided through the Library Makerspace. The Makerspace is located next to the Library Information Desk, and online at library.rmc.edu/makerspace. In the Makerspace, students explore digital media creation, 3D modeling and virtual reality -- for class assignments, creative projects, or simply fun. Over the past few years we have collaborated with instructors of Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences to integrate students' Makerspace experience into their learning processes.

Digital Storytelling and Creative Project Showcase

Our Makerspace staff consult with the instructor to identify how student interactions with digital projects can serve the course goals. We come the class to teach students not only technologies needed for the projects, but also how to find, evaluate and use digital resources critically. We assist students through the design and development of their projects using

• 3D Modeling and Printing 
• Audio Production and Podcasting
• Multimedia Production
• Poster Presentation & Printing
• Virtual Reality
• Webpage and ePortfolio Development

Below are some examples of students' digital productions and interactions with Virtual Reality. 

Ashland Parks and Civic Life

Through close collaboration with the town of Ashland, students in HONR126 (taught by Professor K. Haynal) created this project website. Use your RMC email and password to sign in.

Screenshot of the HONR 126 Website Homepage

Virtual Speech for Public Speaking Practice

Dr. Samuel Allen's COMM 210 class used a VR app "Virtual Speech" for practicing communication skills. The student immersed in a virtual lecture hall, giving a presentation to the audience and receiving feedback from the VR App on pace, volume, eye contact and listenability.

During the class a student practicing speaking using Virtual Speech (VR)

"The Female Self in Federico Garcia Lorca’s Theater"

In the Honors course “The Female Self in Lorca’s Drama” (taught by Dr. Bordera), students created a 3D scene/character or symbol representing a topic or perspective on a character related to Lorca’s plays and his vision of women in 1930s Spain.  Some themes include female’s domesticity, female body entrapment, revisiting the concept of femininity and challenging of social female roles.

3D models created or remixed by students on display

"Fairy Tale Beginnings" in 3D 

The “Fairy Tale Beginnings” class was always about building imagery. Students in FREN-273 (taught by Dr. Balguerie) are asked to read several and analyze the common elements found in classic folk and fairy tales, and create 3D books as group projects. The photo shows one of the 3D books made by students.

"Mapping Kerouac"

Mapping Kerouac​, A Digital Humanities Project @ Randolph-Macon College (Honors Program; course taught by Dr. Volpicelli).

Screenshot of the project's website

"The Yellow Jacket Experience"

A multimedia presentation of the student experience at Randolph-Macon from 1868 to 2019 from a contemporary perspective; research and website collaboratively completed by students in HONR 300 (taught by Professor Preston).

Screenshot of the project's website

For questions about designing digital project assignments for your class, please email Lily Zhang.

For questions about using Makerspace resources, please email Dori Broomell.