Comics and graphic novels are extremely popular with
students and are finally being seen as a way for students to read more. Students
are now making multiple trips to the library a week to check out the next
graphic novel in a series or re-read a favorite. Thankfully this is a change
from the past when comics were seen as not "real" literature and even at one
point blacklisted. Graphic novels are now being embraced by students of all ages.
The first comic designing site I looked at was ToonDoo. This
one ended up being my favorite. It had many options for scenery, people and
objects. I found it more intuitive and did not have a problem adjusting items
or moving things around. I did have to create an account, but it was simple. The
program gives you the option of making cartoons or a comic book. I do feel it
would be best to have students start with a comic first. You can also choose to have your cartoon set
to private and the program allows you to download your creation for free. It also keeps your cartoons in your account. Here
is the simple cartoon I made.
Pixton
Pixton was the second site I looked at for this post. I did
not find it as easy to utilize as ToonDoo. You also had to create an account
for this site. Pixton allows you to create comics, storyboards or graphic
novels. This site also had many graphics to choose from and the characters were
able to be manipulated. You have to option to change movement, skin tone and
facial expressions. It took me slightly longer to manipulate the figures into
what I wanted and I still struggled to make it look right. You also could not
download without upgrading to a paid subscription. This site is geared more
towards high school aged students. Here is my creation from Pixton.
MakeBeliefsComix was the last site I evaluated. This site
features more developed characters and settings for students to use, but there
was a limited amount of manipulating the comic. I found it relatively easy to use. I think this would be a great
for older elementary students. No account was needed to start creating. Teachers
need to be made aware that if they are using this site for projects, there is
no way to save and come back. Students will need to be able to work on their
project start to finish. This site provides lesson plans and writing prompts.
Comics could be used in the classroom in a variety of ways:
1.
Building reading comprehension
2.
Use as an alternative to traditional text book
or novel
3.
Part of a project based learning assignment
4.
Part of a creative writing assignment
Most importantly, students love them and if graphic novels
increase their interest in reading, I call that a win. Here is a picture of my
daughter going in to her first comic book club!
Tellagami would not work well on my old iPad. It kept freezing. It looked interesting and very easy to use with an updated device. This type of program would be perfect for elementary students.
I personally think that Toondoon was the easiest to use. It provides users with a variety of backgrounds, characters, objects, and speech bubbles. The website is easy to use and many students will be able to use easily. It's an excellent option to have students apply their knowledge digitally. Pixtoon had a teacher account and could issue student accounts, however I wasn't able to embed the comic strip and noticed that many options for available in the paid version.
ReplyDeleteI also found Toondoo was the easiest to use, but I don't know if you encountered the same problem I did...I had a very difficult time loading Toondoo, I would go to the website and it would say loading then it would say encountered error. I spent so much time trying to go to the website I just gave up until the next day, I did it from work the next day and I was finally able to login. I found it very easy to use.
ReplyDeleteToonDoo was the easiest to use in my opinion too. I love that it has a variety of backgrounds, characters, and props unlike Make Beliefs Comics! Tellagami is a fun and interactive cartoon if you want to make short announcements. I have one on my blog for this assignment if you're not familiar with Tellagami! :) Your daughters' picture adds a personal touch which will relate to your readers!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogging and learning!
Corie
It's funny I actually found Pixton to be easier than ToonDoo, but I do agree that not being able to download the Pixton comic for free was a deal-breaker. I also agree the a Makebeliefscomix was lacking it what provided.
ReplyDeleteI found ToonDoo a little hard to navigate at first, but I could see how with practice it would be the best. My favorite was Pixton. The only change to Pixton I would make is being able to make more than 3 comics on the free version.
ReplyDeleteI loved this assignment. I have always wanted to write a book about my daughter's battle with brain cancer and I think this format would appeal to a younger crowd.
ReplyDelete