LSSL 5391 Cartoons and Comics

As we already know, visuals can have a great impact on how our students learn. Presenting information in a visual way can be beneficial for all students. Research has proven that visuals can have a greater impact on our English Language Learners as it will help them make connections and internalize concepts easily. This module helped me realize comics and cartoons can be used in creative and innovative ways to support student learning and engagement. Cartoons and comic strips can present information in a fun, creative, and artistic way. For this assignment, I was able to explore and evaluate three different comic-makers. Here are my findings!!!

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FotoJet

It was extremely easy to sign up for a free account as it gives the option to register using either Google, Facebook, or email account. I was not familiar with FotoJet, so it was interesting to play with all its features. When you create a new project, you can start your own design or choose from one of the premade templates. FotoJet includes excellent tools that will bring any comic strip to life. You can add and upload photos, crop, edit, resize and so much more. Additionally, I thought it was neat that we can add text and clipart. This could be an excellent tool to have students create different projects. I decided to recreate the life cycle of a butterfly. I had so much fun using FotoJet!

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Pixton

As you initiate to sign up for Pixton, you are prompted to select the type of account you will be using. The different options include student, teacher, parent, or business. Just like FotoJet, you can sign up using Google, Facebook and Microsoft. Under the educator account, the first thing to do is select the type of project you are creating. I really liked that Pixton has the option to personalize your avatar. It has a lot of features included as part of the free version. I had a lot of fun exploring Pixton. Here is my comic strip!

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Make Beliefs Comix

Make Beliefs Comix also offers the option to sign in with Google, which I find very convenient for my elementary students. This website was very appealing and colorful. I have to admit that I felt a little overwhelmed as I tried to figure out how to navigate through this site. Once I got the hang of it, Make Beliefs Comix became my favorite. It has so many features to offer and free of charge. I can definitely see myself using Make Beliefs Comix with my scholars.