Cartoons and Comics

INTRODUCTION

I have never used comic strips for instruction. Not that I didn't want to, but I just wasn't aware of any great websites or apps to create them on. I always knew students could create their own as a digital option for projects and assignments, but I guess I just never took the time to research them on my own. Today, I checked out three websites that will allow both me and students to create comic strips. It was actually a fun task making example comic strips with these websites even though some of the websites weren't as good as other ones.

FOTOJET

I'm going to be completely honest, I did not care for FotoJet. It reminds me of Canva a little bit but so much more limited. I made an account with my work Gmail account, and I automatically got a pop-up box that gave me billing options and asked for my payment information for FotoJet Plus. I only wanted to work with the free version right then, so I exited the box and tried to start my comic strip. That's when I realized I only had a handful of templates to choose from, and they were really just photo collage templates. Then I learned that the elements available, such as pre-uploaded images were super limited as well. They weren't even comic-like. So, I just uploaded my own Bitmojis for comic-like illustrations. Then I edited the dialogue bubbles in the template. By the time I finished editing, the comic strip looked like I could have just made it in Microsoft Word. I then downloaded the strip to my computer and went back to the website's homepage. That's when I realized that my strip wasn't saved to my account, for it's a FotoJet Plus feature! I know that free versions don't have a lot of features, but this whole experience was super limited. I don't think it's an effective website for students to use. They need more creative options. Anyways, check out my small comic strip about a book drop-off!

MAKE BELIEFS COMIX

This website is a little better than FotoJet, but to me, it was a little outdated-like. I liked how I wasn't forced to make an account to make a comic strip so I can test it out beforehand, but after making it, I wasn't convinced to make one. The toolbar to add the elements onto the strip was underneath the comic panels, which was a little confusing. At first, I thought they were links to other pages for the website. However they had a good amount of options to use for the comics (characters, backgrounds, etc.). It took me a little while to figure out how to edit things once they're on the panel (you have to click an option below the panel before proceeding with an action), which is something I'm sure students will need clarification on too. The website does have suggestions on how to use comic strips as ESL sentence starters and encouragement for creative writing, so maybe some other educators may find this website as a great option for students to create them on. Me, most likely not. Check out my comic strip from Make Beliefs Comix below!

PIXTON

I saved Pixton for last because it was my favorite out of the three! I made a free and basic account with my work Gmail, and I was amazed. Yes, this website also has limited options, but I was able to do so much with the options I did have. I was able to choose a background out of a few that were available or upload my own. Then I chose a character avatar. There were a good amount of options to choose from, and even when my choice was made, I was able to edit the character a little more to personalize it. Then I was able to choose a "focus" for the character, which is how the character will be viewed on the screen. Then there was the "Words" section, in which users can type out captions and/or dialogue for their comic strips. Finally, there was an "Actions" section, which are like poses for the character. The comics seem a little weird looking, but it was definitely fun to have the option to edit the panels to exactly my choosing. I loved this experience so much, that I think that I will use this website again soon! There's even an option where educators can create "classes" for students to view their comic strips on the website. That's a feature I plan on messing around with at a later time. I believe students will have an easy time when working on this website and have fun with personalizing their characters!

USING COMIC STRIPS WITH TEACHER-COLLEAGUES

There are many ways to use comic strips with staff members. I personally plan on using them to advocate for my library by promoting upcoming events. I can also create a strip to explain quick steps to do a task (kind of like an alternate to a screencast). Finally, I also plan on collaborating with ESL teachers so they can use this digital tool to help students with sentence writing. I'm thinking that I can post my made comics on Schoology or have them posted on the weekly or monthly school newsletter. Comic strips are an interesting way to either tell stories or share information, so I am looking forward to using them (especially through Pixton) more!