Comics? Really?! You are going to do a series of posts about online comic tools?! Before you knock the idea, hear me out. Research has shown that using comics in the classroom has many benefits. Check out my graphics below to see some of the benefits:
· How students use comics to create an instructional manual: Students can learn new processes and skills by creating an instruction manual.
· Research assignment: Students can combine images with text in a comic strip using information form a research task
.· Create an interview: Characters can ask each other questions about a topic. The teacher could provide the questions or students can devise their own.
· Convert a story: Engage students’ interest in stories by asking them to convert a novel, fable, fairy tale or play into comic form. They could keep the setting of the story or add a modern twist to it.
Check out some examples of classic stories that have been created into comics to get some ideas:
http://www.kelvi.net/books/comics/index.php?album=CLASSICS+ILLUSTRATED+JUNIOR)
· Write a story: Creating comics is a great way to help students learn how to develop a story. It allows them to create a sequence, explore storylines and understand the use of characters, settings and dialogue
.· Current affairs item: Students can use comics to investigate and respond to social or political issues
.· Reflection tool: Students can use comics to reflect on a task.(Ex: What did you learn, talk about the trip, etc)
· About me activity: Students can make a comic which provides information about them. It could be set in their favorite place or reflect on a significant event in their life. It could also communicate information about their interests and hobbies. This book can then be printed out as a class comic book.
· Add to the dialogue: Allow students to develop their creativity by providing a comic with empty speech bubbles and students can fill them in.
· Revision: Check for understanding by allowing students to revise new knowledge. This can be done by asking students to create a comic using the new content they have learned. The teacher could also create their own comics to deliver content
.· Learning new terms: Students can learn new words by applying them in the correct context in a comic. (Example: A good activity is to provide a number of words which must be used in a comic.)
· Use song lyrics or poems: Try using song lyrics or poems as inspirations for a comic. This will allow students to understand the use of symbolic images and develop their ability to interpret.
So, now that I got you all excited about using comics in your classroom, let’s get to the tools! Like I said earlier, I will be writing separate blog entries about the different comic creators. If you want a sneak peak(you know you do), you can check out the tools I will discuss below:
Easy to use comic creators |
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/
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http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
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http://cambridgeenglishonline.com/Cartoon_Maker/
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Moderate to use comic creators |
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http://www.artisancam.org.uk/flashapps/superactioncomicmaker/index.php |
In addition, to blog entries about the above mentioned tools, I will also be doing a blog entry about story board tools. Since the tools are all from the same site and they operate the same way, (just different subject matters), I will include the below links in one entry:
Oh, my mouth is watering at the thought of all these tech snacks I will dive into! Keep on checking to see the upcoming posts!