Manhattan Bridges High School

Visual Literacy and ELL

New York City School District #02

Manhattan, New York

Teacher: Mr. Pulé

The Manhattan Bridges High School Visual Literacy and ELL Digital Storytelling Project focused on integrating art and technology to promote communicative interaction in English and develop a broader sense of community. The goal for the English Language Learners in this project – students new to this country – was to identify ways to overcome challenges associated with typical, day-to-day situations and interactions. Working in a collaborative project environment, students incorporated core subject knowledge with media and technology skills to produce a culminating project that showcased not only portrayals of personal experiences, but also the importance of extra-curricular programs for the school and community.

To prepare for the digital storytelling project, students considered their knowledge of previous genre-study units, engaged in workshop sessions on oral language conventions, and participated in mini-lessons on note taking. For identity projects, students focused on personal reflection work. For the school community work, they scheduled meetings and interviews with staff members and fellow students in featured after-school programs. Students compiled this material along with digital photos and organized their resources sequentially via storyboard sheets for later revision into final narratives. After extensive recording and editing sessions, the students' digital stories were completed and made available for viewing. Assessment of the projects was holistic, recognizing the students' ability to offer complex and personal insights about themselves and their school community.

To view the digital stories, click an image below.

View Movie
An interview with Instructor Leslie Pulé documenting his use of digital storytelling in the teaching of ELLs.

Download Supporting Materials
Mr. Pulé's teacher reflection, sample exercise and project rubric.

Video Viewing Requirements

Identity


	My Life by Kaory		Kayrys by Kayrys		My Life by Lizbeth		What I Like to Do by Nilka		My Beautiful Country by Roberto

Clubs at School


	Advanced Placement by Maria, Yanilka		American Dreamer by Narfi, Freddy		The Basketball Club by Andreina, Rigoberto		Drama Club by Viceyoy, Osiris		Earth Elders by Francis, Oscar