Hyperstudio Stacks

Digital Storytelling: From HyperStudio Stacks to Multimedia Presentations

Suggested grade range: Grade 1 and Grade 3 versions
Time: 2–4 class periods, 30–45 minutes each
Content areas: Technology, writing, communication, visual literacy

Lesson Purpose

The original lesson taught students to create a four-card HyperStudio stack using text, buttons, sounds, transitions, clip art, and saved files. HyperStudio is now legacy software, so the same instructional goal can be taught with a current presentation, slideshow, or simple multimedia-authoring tool available to the school. The emphasis is on planning, communicating an idea, and using digital features purposefully—not on learning one obsolete program.

Learning Objectives

• Create a short digital presentation with a clear beginning, middle, and ending.
• Add text and images that support the message.
• Use links/buttons or navigation when the selected tool supports them.
• Add audio or transitions only when they improve communication.
• Save, reopen, and share a digital project using the school's approved storage and sharing procedures.

Materials

• A school-approved presentation or multimedia tool
• Computers or tablets, individually or in pairs
• Teacher-created sample presentation
• Optional school-approved images, recorded narration, or sound effects

Grade 1 Version

Objective: Create a simple four-page digital story or information presentation.

1. Plan: Students draw four boxes on paper and sketch what belongs on each page.
2. Model: Teacher demonstrates creating a title page, adding a short sentence, inserting an image, and moving to the next page.
3. Create: Students build four pages with short text and pictures. Adult assistance may be used for typing.
4. Enhance: Add one purposeful transition or recorded sentence if the tool and classroom setup permit.
5. Save and share: Students save their work using the teacher's file-naming routine and share it with a partner or small group.

Grade 3 Version

Objective: Create a four-page multimedia presentation that communicates information or tells a short story.

1. Plan: Students identify audience and purpose, then storyboard four pages.
2. Draft: Write concise text and select images that directly support each page.
3. Build: Add navigation, images, and optional narration or sound. Discuss why each feature is being used.
4. Revise: A partner checks whether the sequence is understandable, the text is readable, and media choices support the message.
5. Publish: Students save a final version and present it to the class or a small group.

Digital Citizenship and Accessibility

• Use school-approved storage and sharing tools. Do not publish student personal information.
• Use images and audio that the school permits students to use; when appropriate, record the source.
• Keep text readable and avoid excessive animation or sound.
• Provide narration, captions, alt text, or teacher-supported alternatives when the selected tool allows them and students need them.
• Give students a non-digital storyboard or printed presentation option when technology access is limited.

Assessment

• Content: The presentation communicates a clear idea or sequence.
• Organization: The four pages have a logical order.
• Media use: Images, audio, buttons, or transitions support rather than distract from the message.
• Technical skills: Student can create, save, reopen, and present the project with appropriate support.

Teacher Notes

The original contributors were Chris Brojek, Judy Mackay, Kathy Dorr, and Kaye Bower. The original HyperStudio-specific tool list is preserved conceptually—text boxes, buttons, sounds, transitions, clip art, and saving—but the lesson is intentionally technology-neutral so it remains usable as school software changes.