For project #8 I learned how to use Microsoft PhotoStory 3 to create a digital story.  I chose to create a story of my siblings and I.  I scanned some pictures onto the computer to use and used some that were already on my computer.  Once I had the pictures, I opened Microsoft PhotoStory 3 and imported the pictures.  I had to arrange them so that they were in the right order.  I cropped the pictures to make them fit better.  Then I was able to add text.  I added quotes to enhance the story and used different effects on the picture like making them black and white or using washout.  After I had added different transition effects such as cross fade and specified the lenght that the picture would stay, I added music.  Finally, I linked the PhotoStory to my webpage and uploaded it using WS_FTP.
        This project was fun because I was able to create a very personal story.  Although the story that I created was personal, the program could easily be used to create a presentation for a class.  The photo story could be used as a virtual field trip in the elementary grades to help students experience a place or event like ancient Egypt.  In fifth and sixth grade, students could actually work to create their own photostories either of something personal or of something they were learning about in class.  I think that students would really have fun using pictures that they had taken to make a photo story because it would make the whole experience very personal for them.  The students would be able to connect more with the project and get more out of the learning experience.