So, how do teachers take advantage of the ever popular super hero genre? One way is to have students use comic creators that use super hero characters. For today’s tech snack, I will be discussing two online comic creators that allow you to do this. These comic tools can be found at the following urls:
http://marvel.com/games/play/34/create_your_own_comic
http://www.artisancam.org.uk/flashapps/superactioncomicmaker/index.php (**Note: Since this original blog writing, this website now requires you to registrar to use this site. The way the site operates is the same other than that.)
Why am I talking about two online tools in one post, you ask? Quite simply, I am discussing these tools together because they all allow students to create comics using elements of the superhero comic book genre and they all fall in the moderate range for interface usability. Unlike other comic creators like wittycomics and makebeliefcomix, these tools are better suited for the older students in grades 3-6. Students in grades 7-12 can certainly use these comic tools as well. They would easily be able to navigate around the interfaces. I am just speaking from my experience working with Lower School students that these tools would not be the most efficient to use with the K-2 population.
Since I am talking about two tools in this post, I thought it would be useful to have a side by side comparison of what each tool has to offer. Look at the graphic below for more information:
Artisan Cam Creator: The Artisan Cam Creator is by far the simplest of these three moderate creators. When students get to the page, they have to click on the start your comic button. When they do that, they will see a very simple interface. See below graphic to see how it works:
http://www.printablepaper.net/category/storyboard
Also, in addition to having the students fill out their story boards prior to creating their comics; I would recommend that the students have some “playtime” to get familiar with the features of whichever creator they are using. Students will be able to figure out the features of the interfaces, but will need guidance as to how you want them to use the creators.
The saving options of the creators, could be problematic but you can always have students print out what they have created then cut and paste the printed strips together using scissors and glue. Also, since these creators are online, students can also use them from home, so if not enough computer time is allocated during your class time, students could complete their storyboards in class and then create their comics at home as part of a long term project/homework.
Oh this is a loaded snack! I am sooo full....until we meet again at the Tech Snack Café!