I found ToonDo to be fairly simple to navigate once I went through the instructions for how to begin my comic. It took some time to make the comic due to trying to position and place my characters and words. I liked having everything located at the top, so I could see the different choices of backgrounds, characters, etc. I think that the characters differing between people and animals would make this site interesting for children and appeal to them. When I finished my comic it took me some time to save, but I'm not sure if it was simply because of my computer. I liked being able to use different backgrounds in each panel at my choosing. I think I would gear this comic towards younger students even though anyone can use this site due to the type of characters presented.
Pixton
This site was free with registration, but I think to really get the best comics you would have to later buy an upgrade. I also went through the beginning instructions and found this to be easier for me to navigate than the others. Also, saving this comic didn't take a lot of time and was done quickly. I really liked the ease of this site and the variety of characters, backgrounds, and panelings. The one thing that I did like alot was being able to change my character's faces and not having to change the position or change the position if I wanted to. I think older students would really enjoy this site as it seems geared more for that upper elementary/secondary group.
Make Beliefs Comix
I really liked that I did not have to sign up for an account for this and could simply go tot the site and make a comic. I think this would be great for kids, especially if they can't remember a login. The site like the others was also easy to use, but even without reading the beginning instructions.However, because I didn't read any instructions I was unaware that I could scroll through the speech bubbles and character expressions instead of choosing whatever was given on the screen. I had to delete twice, but once I understood it was simple to use. I didn't like that I didn't get much variety like I expected, but I liked how easy and simple it was to save my work.
In the future
I think I'd like to use comics now after getting the chance to play around with them for this assignment in my classroom. The kids enjoy making them on the Ipads, but I have never incorporated them into my lesson. I can see myself using Pixton or Make Beliefs Comix more to help retell a story, focus on theme, biography project, or just allowing kids to have a Fun Friday activity.
I agree. I think Comix would be a good tool for students to use and let their creative juices flow. I like your idea of using it as a Fun Friday project. Good idea!
ReplyDeleteToonDoo was a fun experience for me as well. I loved having the people and animal options to create the comic with. As you stated the young elementary students would love this. Great idea for a Fun Friday activity!
ReplyDeleteBuffie Smith
I liked Toondoo because it was simple and easy to use. Although Make Beliefs Comix has many pros, I did not like that I had to be going back and forth clicking between the tool box and the comic strip every time I wanted to make a change. I love your idea of having a Fun Friday. I am sure this would be a hit with the students! It would be a great way for them to showcase their creativity and humor!
ReplyDeleteGood job on your comics! Pixton was my favorite. I think using comics to have students create their learning of figures from biographies is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteSuper Dog and Poodle are too cute! I liked Make Beliefs Comixs too! I really do think that this site would be great for the younger students to use.
ReplyDeleteThe examples you have here are good to see how to use comics. Your thinking about how easy or hard students might find this to use is useful, too!
ReplyDelete