What is Threads all about?

The objective of Threads is to capture memories of local people, who have lived in the locality over the past century. These could be memories that they experienced themselves, or were handed down from a previous generation.

How will my students benefit from the Threads project.

Recording a story for the Threads project teaches children about preparing for digital storytelling, primary and secondary research, interviewing, metadata and collaboration.

How do I pick a subject for the Threads project?

The subject(s) chosen by you and your students can cover any interesting piece of information related to the locality and surrounding area. It could focus on people, industry, customs, events, and geography. The subject matter of the stories may not be well known, but may be valuable information that would otherwise be lost. Similarly, the story may focus on a well-known event, for example the 1916 Rising, but gather personal experiences of people in the locality.

How should the interviews and stories be presented?

Take a look at the stories already on the website. Each story can be made up of text, images, videos, photos, and documents. A selection of these formats can be used. While the accounts archived at Duchas were all hand written, we would envisage more use of technology in the recording of interviews.

Who owns the content added to Threads?

The content remains the property of the originator or owner but we are asking that the content can be shared and used freely under Creative Commons license. For example if a photograph is provided by a grandparent and added to the Threads website, it remains the property of the grandparent but can be used and shared on other websites or media as long as attribution is given to the grandparent. Release forms to this effect should be signed when accepting the content.

What if someone does not give permission to add their video interview?

If permission is not granted for the use of a video interview, it cannot be added to the Threads website. Alternative options could be requested from the interviewee, a transcript of the interview could be added, or the video could be added without identifying the interviewee. It is important that as much information about the project is explained before going ahead with the interviews. This is a digital first project with all content being added to the Internet. Once on the Internet it is freely available for anyone to view.

Could you give me some examples of good subject matters for a story?

The stories are really locally focussed, and by discussing in class, and getting parents and grandparents involved at home, suitable subject matters may arise. Examples from the last century might be
  1. Our area before significant infrastructure (electricity, water, bypass)
  2. Interesting objects/buildings in our area
  3. Significant industry no longer here
  4. Local customs, festivals and events
  5. People who have left through emigration and their impact or stories
  6. People who have arrived through immigration and their impact or stories
  7. Local environment, beauty spots, unusual landscapes
Download the ideas sheet to help apply similar thinking to your area.