The modern research paper
Another digital story that gets told is the class research paper. This is a chance for students to become experts on a topic and share their knowledge with others. While the traditional research paper relies on only words to inform the reader, the Sway version can include digital media to enhance it. This media becomes evidence and additional support for the student's paper, demonstrating their expertise on the topic.
If students have already written a paper, then starting the Sway is easy. Sway lets the creator start from a document (like a Microsoft Word document or PowerPoint presentation) to begin the digital story.
- Word - text is put onto the same text card
- PowerPoint - slides are converted to image and text cards
Students could keep the text on one card or make a card for each paragraph. Adding images and other content will help convey the writer's message and make for a stronger research paper. An online video could add an important detail to the Sway. To add a YouTube video, select the green plus sign, choose Media then Video. Sway will search YouTube or let the creator upload a video from their device (the same way it searches for images). The video is viewed with the Sway, so that the viewer can read the research paper and immediately watch that video.
Using Sway to add evidence to a research paper is a powerful way to use digital storytelling in the classroom.
This research paper Sway shows how students took advantage of the features of Sway.
Professional journal
Let's add some video to your digital story. In the "Where Do I Live?" section, add a media card that will have a video. Search YouTube for a video about the city where you live. Add it to the storyline. Include a text card to tell your audience about the place where you live. You can add personal photos or other images that you find to make the story more personal, too. After you add to the "Where Do I Live?" section, view your Sway to see how your story is progressing.