Cartoons and Comics

PIXTON

                                                                   PIXTON-Link to comic 

    Out of all three different comic/cartoon platforms, I enjoyed creating this particular comic strip. Being able to create your avatars as characters would be something I can see the students enjoying. There are many options a user can use to create their unique comics. From the different premade backgrounds to the action of the characters, the possibilities are endless. I was a little disappointed at seeing how most of the backgrounds, avatars, faces, and actions required an upgraded plan in order to gain access, but with the items that were free was enough to create a descent comic. I think students would enjoy this particular platform because of the simplicity use of the program. It is not at all confusing and your work is saved as you are completing your comic. Pixton would be a comic strip platform I would use with my students. I think by creating the comics with Pixton  would keep the students engaged in the activity from beginning to end. 

FOTOJET

    I appreciate when a website offers templates to get you started with your project. I think this is great for first time users of the website. Without templates, I think the task can be a little intimidating to get started. This particular comic platform was different from the rest, in the way that you could apply actual photos to the comic strip. The others did not offer that option. This adds another way users can creatively create comics. Saving the assignment was simpler than the others. It downloaded as a jpeg, which was easy to upload. There were many backgrounds, fonts, colors, styles, and clipart to create your personal comic strip. I do think students would be able to use Fotojet in the classroom, but it would not be my first choice to offer students. The only concern I keep in mind is the creating accounts. I like the way Pixton allows you to create and manage classes, in the similar way Flipgrid does. 

MAKE BELIEFS COMIX

Make Beliefs Comix-Link to comic

    I like how you do not have to create an account, which may be easier to log in and start creating right away, but I do not recommend this option. I had to redo my comic 3 times before completing it! I accidently clicked on another link and it would erase my work. By creating an account, you are allowed to save, which I recommend you do right away and allows you to save your comics online. This comic was probably the easiest to create. There are many characters, balloons and prompts, backgrounds, and objects to select from. There is a limit of 18 frames, so the students would have to be aware of that before starting on their comics. I can see students using this Make Beliefs Comix because it is easy to use and create. The comic starters are a great way to get the students started on their comic. At times they need that little push and the rest is up to them. 

Sharing Comics with Teachers

    Now that I have had the opportunity to create my own comics on three different platforms, I now have an understanding of the benefits of creating comics as part of promoting student learning or educating teachers. Comics can be a great visual representation of information that can be shared with teachers during staff development days. It can engage the learners (whether teachers or students) on different levels. Perhaps converting those powerpoint presentations into comics can get the students to understand content better. As part of student learning, the librarian can offer comics to teachers to assist with ELL students. The beauty of comics is that is less writing involved, but can still showcase what a student has learned throughout the lesson.