They are kind enough to offer an instant 30 day free trail, so if you think you might use this for you, sign up. If you are going to use it with your students, review the site and pricing and decide when the best time to sign up is.
I found it a great way for my students to express themselves as they gave some answers. To use the content correctly in their comic, they really have to understand it. I also saw they liked sharing their comics with each other.
A really nice feature, I found this very impressive, they make a comic avatar of themselves and can appear in their own comic, or their classmates comics. If the teacher makes one, they can appear too!
This is my actual 7th period class 'comic' photo, produce on the site, each of my students avatars and mine.
So my first assignment was: using the science classroom background, make a comic with at least for panels explaining the difference between physical and chemical properties. Most of my students can easily identify a physical or chemical change, but describing the properties was a bit of a challenge.
Here are two sample products produce by the students:
It is obvious that you are equipping your students with the survival skills that are needed in the 21st century. It looks as if the students are using web 2.0 tools to make the connection and apply it using comic strips. It is always nice to see student work. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour students seem to grasp the concept of using the comics very well. I believe it is a great tool to use with the student to use technology to grasp the interest and learning of students.
ReplyDeleteI plan on using it in my classroom for the student to make comics about a lesson taught and their understanding of the lesson. I think it also helps student to collaborate with their classmate because they are eager to show what they created. Good Job!!!
For the last three years my daughter and a lot of the kids at my school can’t wait to get to the library to check out the latest Wimpy Kid Diary or SuperMouse graphic novel. Samantha Cleaver states in Comics & Graphic Novels (2008) that “comics help 21st-century kids relate to big themes and topics by tapping into the way students are already learning naturally.” I have used comic strips in the past to introduce or reinforce story elements or language concepts but never thought about using them for science. If I used an application like Bitstrips students could create comics to document what they've learned about a concept in any content area. Thanks for sharing your student’s work!
ReplyDeleteReference
Cleaver, S. (2008). Comics & graphic novels. Instructor, 117(6), 28-34. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
I love incorporating comics into lessons and/or making them into alternative assessments. I love how it inspires creativity and critical thinking skills. Whenever a student can retell the lesson in their own way, you know for sure that they grasp the concept.
ReplyDeleteComics in the classroom can be a very powerful tool. It brings out the creativity in your students and it allows them the power to critically think about the subject matter that you are covering. I found a wonderful site that shares 100 tips, tricks, tools, and resources to use comics in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteGone are the days of children sneaking comics past diligent parents and teachers watching out for sub-par literature. The comics of today not only have plenty to offer, they are gaining well-deserved recognition and awards. Take advantage of the natural affinity children have for comics and use them as a powerful teaching tool in your classroom. The following tips, tools, and resources will get you started (Allen, 2011).
Hit this link for more information:
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/07/05/comics-in-the-classroom-100-tips-tools-and-resources-for-teachers/
References
Allen, K. (2011). Comics in the classroom: 100 tips, tools, and resources for teachers. Retrieved from http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/07/05/comics-in-the-classroom-100-tips-tools-and-resources-for-teachers/