When you think of comics, you probably think of characters who wear tights and can fly. Sure, many comics are about super heroes, but comics can be about any topic. The combination of text and drawings in a comic make them a powerful communication medium. In fact, when Google released its Chrome web browser, it commissioned a comic book to tell the press and public all about their new product. There's no crime-fighting or capes in Google's comic. Instead, it features normal characters showing and telling why Google made its own browser and why they think it is better than other browsers.
Comics certainly have a place in the classroom. The reduced amount of text make them very attractive, especially to reluctant readers and writers. Comics can be an effective way for language learners to develop comprehension skills. When students make comics, the comic itself can serve as an assessment and evaluation tool.
Creating comics are a fantastic way for teachers and students to visually represent knowledge. Teachers and students might not have the drawing skills and patience to draw comics themselves. There are dozens of web-based tools for comic creation where no drawing is required. A current favorite is Pixton.
Pixton is a website where you can browse example comics and make your own--all without installing software. Only a web browser and Internet connection is needed. After creating a free account, users select a background and characters. The characters' bodies can be posed into almost any position. Their faces can be moved to reflect a variety of expressions and speech bubbles can be added. Each comic is made of scenes. When a new scene is added, it is a copy of the previous scene. Users then move characters and change the zoom and add more speech bubbles and objects.
When finished, the comic is published online. Each comic has its own web address and has embed code for putting on your own website, blog, or wiki. Check out the sample comics embedded below. Click a comic to enlarge.
The best way to learn how to use Pixton to to just dive right in. If you need it, Pixton has a Help section. There is also a video "trailer" that shows off Pixton's features.
Teachers are using Pixton to make comics to engage students. Students are making comics at Pixton to show what they know about a topic. Comics can contain humor, heroes, and pop culture--but they don't have to. When creating a comic it can be overwhelming to try to make it funny or catchy. Instead, focus on what is essential about a topic and develop a comic around that.
Pixton requires an account in order to create comics. Sometimes users encounter errors when signing up. Be sure to read and complete everything on the sign up page (including scrolling down to the bottom of the Terms & Conditions box) before clicking the Sign Up button at the bottom of the page.
