Connecting with Comics

This semester I decided to try something new with my 5th grade Integrated Technology students.  Instead of producing a video about cyberbullying, I had them create comic strips using Bit Strips for Schools.  Their assignment was to depict a situation involving cyberbullying and share a positive way of dealing with the situation.  When searching for online comic creators, I had a difficult time finding the right fit.  I wanted to find a tool that was easy to use while at the same time allowing students control over the look and feel of their comic.  My exploration led me to Bit Strips for Schools.

Bit Strips for Schools has many advantages: teachers monitor and have control over student accounts, it allows for the creation of customizable characters, and gives students control over all elements of the comic.  Comics are vibrant and eye-catching, and they can be downloaded and saved to other spaces.  The downside of Bit Strips for Schools: it is not free.  I'm generally not one to advocate for purchasing online accounts with all of the free options out there, but this one may be worth it.  Bit Strips for Schools does offer a free 30-day trial, which may just be enough time to test its worth.  The other downside?  You have to purchase accounts for each class separately.  Each "class" only allows for the addition of 40 students.  That means that if you want multiple classes to work on the same project, you would need to pay for additional classes.

While I had great success with this project, you may find that the other free comic creators out there work for you.  Below lists some alternatives.  However, after showing students how to use Bit Strips for Schools, my students were beyond excited to create their own comics.  They were completely engaged in the process and loved playing around with some of the unique ways to add their own personalities.

Please enjoy my students' final projects in the slideshow posted below.



Alternative Comic Creators
Make Beliefs Comix
ToonDoo
Creaza
ReadWriteThink Comic Creator
Myths and Legends Story Creator
Garfield Comic Creator

Picture This!

There are some great websites that give students the opportunity to create visual representations of their work and a chance to gain some technology skills using Web 2.0 tools.  Below summarizes two of my favorites:

Make Beliefs Comix-  Described on its website as "an educational resource," Make Beliefs Comix give students the tools to create their own comic strips.  There is a wide variety of choices when it comes to the characters, backgrounds, objects, and scenes.  I like the ease of navigation and the ability to email a finished product to someone.  This site does not require an account, which also means that work cannot be saved and continued during another session.  The website also has teacher resources such as an article entitled "21 Ways to Use MakeBeliefsComix.com in the classroom."

Big Huge Labs- This fun photo website gives students the opportunity to make some fun creations with their own photos or images from copyright-free websites.  Project options include examples such as motivational posters, trading cards, magazine covers, movie posters, and a map maker.  Students can also add appropriate text to create a unique photo item.  I like their simple templates that still give users the opportunity for plenty of creativity.  This website offers some ideas for some unique projects.

As always, if you need help or a helping hand, let me know!