Academic Term Eligibility

The subject of your video should have taken place during one of the following academic terms:

• Fall Semester 2021
• Winter Term 2021-2022
• Spring Semester 2022
• Summer Term 2022

Guidelines

The International Education Week Digital Storytelling Contest is open to all Miami University students. Students often report that international and intercultural experiences can be transformative. This digital storytelling contest is one way to demonstrate that transformation. For this contest, you are to submit a video that combines the art of telling a story with visual images and an audio soundtrack that answers the following question: How have your cultural interactions on campus, abroad, or in the United States re-defined your world views? How have they changed you or the way you see the world?

LibGuide: Video Creation Resources

LibGuide: Digital Storytelling from a Study Abroad Perspective

Students can submit their video for this contest by sharing a YouTube link in the form submission below. Video duration should be a maximum of 5 minutes.

Musical Selection

Students must use royalty free music in their video, and if they need Miami University Global Initiatives to purchase music for them, they can email Karen O'Hara at oharakm@MiamiOH.edu. Karen will respond with two subscription websites that students can explore. Select a music choice, and Global Initiatives will download the file for you.

Submission Limit

Students may submit one digital storytelling entry each of no more than 5 minutes.

Code of Conduct

Digital Stories should be appropriate for public viewing and reflect Miami’s values and code of conduct. The following are prohibited and may be cause for disqualification:


• Images/video clips that depict alcohol
• Images/video clips in unsafe locations and/or poses
• Illegally downloaded music or copyrighted music/content
• Explicit or inappropriate language
• Images/video clips that include bathing suits or other inappropriate clothing

Evaluation Criteria

Before you start your digital story, determine your main message and goal. Then, develop your story, keeping in mind your audience and what you’d like to convey to them.

• Point of View–Is the main point of the story clear? Is the perspective of the author clear?
• Creativity–Does the video have "out of the box" thinking and provide a unique perspective and voice?
• Affective Impact–Does the video emotionally resonate with the viewer in a relatable, impactful way?
• Author’s Viewpoint–Does the author use their viewpoint to personalize the story to help the audience understand the context?
• The Power of the Soundtrack–Do the music and/or other sounds enhance the story? Was the music legally obtained according to instruction?
• Economy–Does the content tell the story without overloading the viewer?
• Pacing–Does the author use pacing that matches the content of what is being shared?  E.g. It speeds up and slows down to emphasize what is being said or shown.
• Video Elements and Production Quality–Footage, images, and script are clear resolution and simple for the viewer to follow and understand.

Criteria inspired by the Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling developed by The Center for Digital Storytelling (CDS) in Berkeley, California.

Awards

One $500 scholarship will be awarded for the winning digital story (winner must be a currently-enrolled Miami student)