Story Xperiential is a service not quite like any other in education as it comes directly from the professionals. In fact, this comes courtesy of the best at what they do — storytelling.
The idea here is to offer a follow-along guide on how to tell stories, as guided by those who do exactly that.
By storytellers, this means professional animators, writers, and artists who create movies and other content. From the creators of Pixar movies, this platform offers some firsthand experience in how to make a storyboard and more.
This guide aims to show how this could work in your class.
What is Story Xperiential?
Story Xperiential is a teaching platform that allows students to learn how to create a story. Specifically, this teaches storytelling by showing the process used at Pixar — guided along by some of its best animators and creators.
This might start with Pixar, however, it also features animators from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel, Lucasfilm, DreamWorks Animations Studios, and more.
Everything can be accessed easily online so this is something that can be accessed at school and at home using personal devices.
How does Story Xperiential work?
Story Xperiential is a self-paced storytelling program. It offers a guiding hand as you progress.
Sure, there are live feedback options from other users as well as regular livestreams from the pros. But for your project, it progresses at the pace you want.
This works by firstly brainstorming, outlining, and storyboarding to develop a storyreel. This is done by uploading in chunks as you progress.
In total this is a roughly 40-hour course that is designed to be carried out over a nine-week grading period. But, as mentioned, it can be done at the student or teacher pace as needed.
Thanks to feedback along the way, from peers, this is a dynamic learning process. Students can also offer others feedback, helping them develop critical thinking as well as being able to receive it.
Finally, students can enter their finished storyreels into competitions in which winners are awarded by the body behind the platform.
What are the best Story Xperiential features?
Story Xperiential is super simple to use and works on a team-building basis. Since students are required to give feedback, as well as receive it, this allows them to think critically and adapt.
The regular video guidance sessions, held as livestreams, are a great resource for students to attend and from which to learn. These are presented from professionals who have done the journey students may want to explore in the future, and they’re offering sage advise and guidance.
The ‘What If’ lessons help to spark ideas and can be used in education as jump-off points for more creative exploration. These apply to history, science, math, English, media, and technology.
For education specifically, there are curriculum-mapping standards that can help make this a more tailored teaching tool.
Helpful links to tools guide students in actually editing video and drawing digitally. Unfortunately, these are not built in so will require a bit more skill.
How much does Story Xperiential cost?
Story Xperiential’s entire course is paid for on a monthly basis or all up front, and gives you access for one year. This includes a seven-day free trial during which you can cancel if you change your mind.
The one-year course is charged at $24.99 per month or for an annual fee up front of $150. This gets you access to the entire course and all the platform has to offer.
Story Xperiential best tips and tricks
Feedback together
Practice feedback as a group, learning how to constructively spot and offer opinions that can be helpful.
Webinar in class
Every two weeks are live webinars you can build classes around and have discussions to follow up afterward.
Use teams
Some students will work better in teams with this process so perhaps use groups and a mix for individuals too.