http://www.toondoo.com/privateView.toon?param=akHJy0z6dkHRNutmdkM9mZQPKXzfi%2FPvjAjE%2FvxkGHgHTm7Q4eul1Q%3D%3D
I used ToonDoo to create this comic. It was relatively easy to figure out just by playing with it. I had an idea of what I wanted my comic to be about, but I wasn't sure if I could find characters to match. At first I thought I had to find characters with the correct facial expressions. I wanted the boy and girl to be adults - husband and wife, but couldn't find any that were right. After choosing the boy and girl, I tried to find a baby that looked like them, but there were not many baby choices. After I chose my characters, I chose a background from the "inside" choices. Then I added the teddy bear prop. While I was rotating the teddy bear to put him on his side, I discovered that I could change the expressions on the characters' faces. Note the subtle changes on the baby's face. I wanted to show fumes coming from the baby's diaper, so I went under Shapes and found some that would work. When I was added speech balloons, the balloon pointer kept pointing to the girl. After fiddling with it, I found that I could drag the tail to the boy. It was very easy to save; I was asked to give it a title, a description, and tags. There were enough choices of characters, background, and props that students would be able to use this tool. You can also create a gallery of your own clipart and pictures.
http://www.pixton.com/from/comic/on5hf8u3
http://Pixton.com/ic:0qxnv5os
I created an Alternate Ending to Charlotte's Web using Pixton. This tool had many more options than ToonDoo. After watching tutorial videos (provided on the site), I saw that you can fine-tune your characters, changing their expressions one facial feature at a time. You can rotate their heads, arms, legs, bodies, and hands. You can change the color of their hair and clothes. You can even turn people and objects into silhouettes. I played with it for a long time. I was not able to use my first idea for a comic because I could not find the proper background and objects to accompany it. When I came across a farm background, I decided to portray Charlotte's Web. My class has recently read this book. But then I could not find a spider, so I decided to show what would happen if Charlotte was not in the story. This could actually be something that students use to portray scenes or, as I did, alternate endings for a story. Moving the character's body parts is a bit tricky, but it gives one more possibilities.
The next tool I played with was MakeBeliefsComix. I did not need an account to use it. This one would be good to use with students because you do not have to register. But one of the drawbacks is that you cannot save it; you can print it or email it. Here is a picture I took of it:
Click on the link to see my comic with more clarity:
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=6086398C1256462
There were not a lot of choices of characters, props, or backgrounds, but enough to have fun and create pretty cool comics. Students would be able to email their comics to the teacher who would print them out for display.
Of the three, I think ToonDoo and MakeBeliefsComix would work best for younger students or those with little experience using computers. They are easy to create and the only character/prop editing usually needed is sizing, changing emotions, and moving. There are enough choices in these free accounts to accommodate a range of ideas. ToonDoo has more character options and variety, but MakeBeliefsComix doesn't require students to create usernames and passwords. As an ESL teacher I can see having students create comics using vocabulary words to show that they understand the meanings. They could also use them to demonstrate reading concepts, such as cause-and-effect, or base their comic strip on a topic they have been working on in class. Students could also create scenarios with speech balloons that have no words, then exchange with another student to create the dialogue.
Pixton is a great tool for older students who will enjoy changing and enhancing the characters by moving their body parts around. They can use the comics in the same way as the younger students or in more creative ways. I love the way you can manipulate the characters; it provides so many options and possibilities. I plan to collaborate with an ESL teacher to create a lesson that includes making a comic strip. We will include vocabulary and concepts that she is teaching. What a fun and creative lesson it will be!
I used Tellagami to create this short clip. It is an I-Phone application.
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