Abstract

This forum paper describes the steps involved in integrating a digital story into an EFL class using a free software application called Photo Story 3. This paper maintains that the sequencing of the often cited phases of pre-production, production, and post-production, and the accompanying steps of digital story production, do not completely satisfy the logistics involved for integrating a digital story into a regular EFL lesson. Therefore, while retaining the three phases of production, an alternative set of steps is proposed. While some of these “alternative” steps appear trivial and axiomatic, the often unique set of circumstances that surround an EFL teaching setting (for example, class time devoted to language study, learner motivation and interest, level of computer literacy), requires a set of steps that are not only in tune with the reality of the teaching setting but whose sequencing also allows for smooth class management of the assigned software. A detailed explanation of the steps involved in each phase is given, including potential pitfalls teachers may encounter using Photo Story 3, and in some cases, possible solutions are offered.

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