Comic programs and the classroom

Presenting information in comic format is attractive and appeals to most students. Likewise, students can use comics to create projects for various subjects. Below are some of the more commonly used programs in comic creation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but overall, I enjoyed using Toondoo the most. Signing up was easy, and it didn't take long to complete my first comic strip. Pixton comic creator offers a great deal of options, however, so many options for customization can be overwhelming for very young or first time users. I would not recommend this program for those who are working with very young students or those who are impatient. Lastly, I would like to say make believe comics was easy to use and one of the few offered as an iPad application. If working in a district where iPads or tablets are more accessible than computers, make believe comics would be a good alternative to Toondoo because it offers many of the same features. While I did enjoy working with these comic programs, I think the programs will service the students more so than the teacher. If students use the programs for project assignments, they can use comic programs for storyboard projects, how-to essays, or to illustrate almost any important point. Once students work with the programs they will be able to use them to create a visual representation of their own knowledge highlighting main points of a story or lecture. Comic strips also work well with cause and effect activities in history, science, and English. Comics can be used for almost any subject.


I have posted some comic creations for your enjoyment and review.

Toondoo

Some customization

Easy registration

Easy to use

Simple functions

Easy to save and send comics

Fun characters

Pixton Comics 

Easy options for creating comics

Lots of variety and options for customization

Quickie option is easy to use

Customized contacts and characters are more difficult to work with

Registration was complex

Easy to send

Highly customizable characters

Make Believe Comics

Available as an iPad app

Easy registration

Easy to use

Simple functions

Easy to save and send comics

Fun characters

Lacks variety